Costs outside council control contribute to rates increase
Recommending the striking of the new rate, the Chairman of the council’s Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Stephen Martin, said the rise was “below the current rate of inflation for the eighth consecutive year”.
Mr Martin continued: “This has involved considerable work by both Members and Officers as economic conditions have proved a challenging factor in our effort to set a rate that is as fair as we can provide to our householders and businesses.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It is important for continued investment in the City and the rolling-out of capital development projects and improvement projects in and around the City to continue.”
He said landfill tax increases and costs associated with energy and fuel were among the factors outside of the Council’s control which would influence expenditure for the year ahead, as well as upgrading and improvement works in towns and villages around the City.
The continued promotion and profile-raising of the city was also referred to by Councillor Martin as was the future planning for the infrastructure through the public realm improvement scheme and environment regeneration projects, with the council’s focus on continued provision of high quality services to its ratepayers.
Mr Martin added: “We are all acutely aware of the financial difficulties faced by many residents and businesses as part of the ongoing global economic crisis. For several years now, former Chairmen have stood here and spoken about the unprecedented challenges facing governments internationally and it is depressing that 12, 24 and 36 months on, the financial climate has not improved, but has further deteriorated.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Financial pressures we face include rising inflation, costs associated with energy and fuel not to mention a significant decrease in income generation.
“It is against this backdrop that Elected Members and Officers have worked together. Their teamwork has hopefully offset any additional burden that the district rate will place on our residents.”