Council tax in West Sussex on the rise - again

West Sussex County Council's share of council tax bills looks likely to go up by 3.99 per cent in the coming year - the lowest percentage rise since the system was introduced in 1993.

This figure, for 2009-10, is expected to be recommended to the full county council at its meeting in Chichester on Friday, February 13.

If approved, it will mean the average band D taxpayer will have to find 84p a week more - 43.83 a year - for the 80 per cent of local government services delivered by the county council.

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The proposed budget for the year - 906.3m '“ includes a series of improvements to meet pressures facing some front-line services.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, county cabinet member for finance and resources, said she was very conscious that all residents were facing a hard time during the current recession.

They had done all they could to keep council tax down without damaging front-line services.

"This has been achieved with very little help from the Government, which has given us the lowest possible grant increase towards services for the seventh year in a row, despite the huge cost pressures we face," she added.

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"The fact that we can keep council tax at an affordable level and improve some services is entirely due to the huge efficiency savings we have made over recent years.

"Measures such as new and more efficient ways of working and making better use of our purchasing power have all helped achieve savings of 40m a year. Even more savings are planned for the next two years and further reductions in the level of council tax increase."

The current tax proposal for next year would mean that the average band D figure will increase by 43.83 to 1,141.83.

The amounts needed by district or borough councils, Sussex Police, and town or parish councils have to be added to this total, when decided.

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Cllr Goldsmith said: "We have written to the Government stressing how the current grants system penalises West Sussex, but unless there is a last minute change of heart, the recommendation to the council in February will be for a 3.99 per cent increase."

The proposed budget for the next financial year includes increased spending of 13m to meet growing pressures on services.

The package includes improving support for the growing number of children the county council has a duty to care for (2m), investment in programmes for younger adults with disabilities (2.2m), and 600,000 extra support for people with a physical sensory impairment.

The county council's proposed capital programme for 2009/10 of 160.7m includes preliminary work on an eco-friendly plant to turn landfill waste into fuel and energy, road safety schemes, more cycle paths, and improved public transport infrastructure.

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County council leader Cllr Henry Smith said: "We deliver a vast number of very contrasting services from roads to libraries, the fire and rescue service to disposing of waste, trading standards to caring for some of the most vulnerable adults and children in society.

"I do believe that a band D increase of 84p a week gives residents good value for money during these tough times.

"The fact that we have a large capital programme means we are delivering not just new infrastructure but maintaining employment in many areas."

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