Village announces 20 per cent council tax rise

In a statement today, the council says it was ‘not an easy decision to make as it affects in some way all residents of the parish.’

The parish council’s element of the council tax will increase from £77.25 for a Band D property in 2016/17 to £93.30 for 2017/18 which equates to a total of £1.79 per week per household.

Parish council chairman Councillor Graham Watkins said: “These are challenging financial times and during the last three years the council has used its reserves to support the budget to keep the Council Tax increase between 3-5% and it can no longer do this. Southwater Parish Council no longer receives the Revenue Support Grant from Horsham District Council and has also had to factor in a business rate increase, the 20.77% increase relates to an increase of 31p per week.

“However Southwater Parish Council is proud of the services it currently delivers, managing four community buildings, significant land holdings and keeps the village litter free.

“The Parish Council staffing levels are consistent with that of other larger local authorities to meet the needs and deliver the community’s aspirations for the future.

“The team is working hard to deliver a community vision, to develop a Neighbourhood Plan, enhance the community building provision and leisure facilities and undertake a complete review of the Southwater Leisure Centre.

“There will also be a focus on working more closely with the community and local businesses by improving the councils website”.
Councillor Watkins added: “Parish Councillors and staff are committed to delivering the best service for Southwater residents who are welcome and encouraged to attend the council meetings which are publicised on the council’s website www.southwater-pc.gov.uk.

“This year we will also be focusing on improving our use of social media to improve communications with our residents too”.