Inflation only rise in council tax
Our borough council budget focuses on getting the best value for money for your council tax.
That is how the borough council’s share of council tax has an ‘inflation only’ rise. Council tax payers at band D pay just 27p per day for the services we provide.
We are constantly seeking more efficient ways to provide our services to you. Over the next three years we are looking for more savings in how we buy supplies, in our staffing and in the way we provide services. Through these savings we have been able to fund new initiatives in next year’s budget to improve road safety, support community-based events and resource the use of CCTV.
The Council Plan 2007 to 2009 sets out the key priorities that will guide our decisions and where we focus our resources. Our main aims are:
- Prosperity for the borough and everyone who lives and works here, attracting and retaining businesses and providing excellent, well-paid work opportunities for local people.
- The long-term well-being of all residents - ensuring people feel safe and can live and work in attractive surroundings and in healthy communities.
- Making sure everyone in the community is involved in making decisions about the area where they live and can access services and facilities.
- Forming effective partnerships where working with other bodies and groups is the best way to deliver services.
What is the council going to do?
Here are just some examples, giving a flavour of proposed activities to put the priorities into action:
- Investing to meet local community needs – for example by working with primary care trusts to build new GP surgeries in areas where they are needed.
- Image of the borough – working in partnership with the business community and other key players to promote the borough by enhancing its reputation to ensure continued economic prosperity.
- Thriving local economy - working with other local authorities on the diamonds for growth initiative to attract new businesses to the area.
- Investigating new ways to help people wanting to enter the housing market – for example ‘intermediate rental housing’ homes which are offered at 70% of the usual market rent.
We will continue to look for the most innovative and creative ways to deliver good quality services that meet the needs of the borough and make the best use of our
resources, both in terms of finances and property.
PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE ELEMENT OF THE COUNCIL TAX LEAFLET FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Click on the link to the websites of Hampshire County Council (www.hants.gov.uk), Hampshire Police Authority (www.hantspa.org) or Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (www.hantsfire.gov.uk) for their detailed budget information.
