Wokingham

At the meeting on Thursday February 23, 2006, Wokingham District Council set a council tax increase of less than 3% for the second year running. And, according to figures published in the national press*, the council’s increase is one of the lowest for any unitary authority in the country and joint lowest in Berkshire.

Wokingham council set its share of the overall council tax for 2006-07 at £1,036.23, representing a 2.94% or £29.61 increase at Band D. This is equivalent to a rise of just under 57 pence per week.

Wokingham Cllr Frank Browne, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted that the council has managed to set a sub-3% increase once again, making it I believe the joint lowest council tax increase in Berkshire and, indeed, one of the lowest increases for all the unitary councils in the country. Against a tough financial background with the lowest government settlement in six years, achieving a council tax increase of 2.9% is a significant accomplishment. The national average increase for all unitary councils is an estimated 4.5%.

“And we are committed to continuing the recent trends of 3.9%, 1.9% and this year’s 2.9% increases for future years as well. To this end, we have identified almost £3.7million of potential savings this year to keep the council tax increase as close to the rate of inflation as possible. And we will continue to ensure that our resources are clearly focused on our key services that you expect from us and to work in partnership with other organisations to provide other services.

“We are a £159million organisation, delivering a myriad of services to some 150,000 people. We need to ensure good quality services as well as value-for-money for local taxpayers. We are therefore committed to that difficult balancing act of protecting and enhancing where possible our key services, whilst continuing to keep a firm control on the financial pressures.”

In 2006-07, Wokingham council's top priority continues to be education, with almost £77million being delivered to schools in the form of dedicated schools grant (DSG) and a further £15million being ear-marked for children’s services (non-DSG).

Over £27million is to be spent on Wokingham community care services, with some £16million being budgeted for environmental services, including highway maintenance. And the council is set to embark on a £20million capital programme, with some £8.5million set to be spent on schools.

More than £0.3million is to go to Wokingham voluntary and community groups in the district, part of an overall package of support which equates to over £1.5million.

The average total council tax bill, which includes the police authority, fire and rescue service and parish or town council levy, for properties in Band D will be £1,263.81 for 2006-07 – an annual increase of 3.2% or £39.21. (The figure for each parish will vary as each levies different charges.)

Wokingham Cllr Browne said: “The budget for 2006-07 reflects the council’s determination to protect our core services whilst still providing sound financial management and value-for-money. We have made some huge organisational efficiencies, identifying some £7.3million savings over the past three years to reduce council overheads, ensure resources are targeted to the frontline services and keep the council tax increase as low as possible. The council is now a leaner and more effective organisation, determined to continue the trend of the last three years’ low council tax rises. Sustaining this trend will be tough but we are already working on next year’s budget to sustain this strong, disciplined approach.”

* source: The Times February 20, 2006

Wokingham District Council