Council Tax set for 2008/09

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 26 February 2008, Members agreed the annual rise for council tax for Purbeck District Council as 4.5%. 

The tax, set by the Council equates to around 10% of the overall council tax in Purbeck.  The rest is allocated to Dorset County Council, the Police Authority and the Fire Authority.

The annual increase, which amounts to £6.54 (4.5%) on the council tax for a Band D property, will enable the Council to continue to deliver long term efficiencies, remain debt free and avoid cutbacks in services. 

Almost £230,000 was found from internal Council savings, offsetting some of the extra costs caused by the Government increasing the responsibilities of Councils but failing to fund those increases.

Councillor Bill Trite, Leader of the Council said: “Again, this year’s budget setting process has been a difficult one.   However, significant savings in the budget were achieved without adversely affecting the services we provide.  By setting our Grant increase for the next two years at 0.5%, Government will force the Council to look closely at the costs of our services.  It is clear the Council needs to improve efficiency further to reduce its costs.  Joint working with our neighbouring councils in Dorset should help us to do this, whilst ensuring quality is not reduced.”