Council plans tax freeze for residents

The issue was discussed during the cabinet’s budget meeting this week, with their recommendation to go before the full council next week for approval.

The decision not to increase the levy comes despite a cut in funding from the Government grants.

The council said support from central funds has fallen to £4.034 million – a 13 per cent cut from last year.

And, it said, that since 2011, funding from the Government has been slashed from more than £10m a year to just more than £4m.

And by 2017, it is predicted the grant will be just £2.7m – meaning a reduction of 71 per cent in seven years.

Meanwhile, for this year’s budget, the Government has insisted council rents are cut by 1 per cent, while also increasing pressure on the authority to build more properties.

The council has also been hit by an increase of more than £300,000 in National Insurance contributions which is, in effect, another reduction in its finances.

Councillor Roger Sutcliffe, portfolio holder for resources, said: “We are continuing to face very serious reductions in Government funding to the council.

“However, we are proud to have been able to find efficiencies and income needed, by taking a more commercial approach to the way we operate and deliver our services.

“We need to look at different ways of working and closer working with partners.

“With careful management and new initiatives to help generate more income for the council, the effects of the Government cuts will not really be felt by the public as we continue to deliver our frontline services.”