Tamworth Blog

SCC TV

Staffordshire County Council are broadcasting their debate as they decide on this years council tax increase this Wednesday (February 3) and next (February 10).

It is expected that Staffordshire County Council will pass a lower than inflation increase this year.  The 1.9% increase will be the lowest implemented since the Council Tax was introduced in 1993.  A family living in a band D property will pay an extra 39p a week for their services.

Leader Philip Atkins said:

“Our manifesto pledge at the elections in June was to improve services in key areas while keeping council tax as low as possible, which is why I am making this recommendation.

“We have consulted extensively on what our budget priorities should be and I believe 1.9 per cent strikes the right balance. A below inflation rise means council tax should not unduly add to the strain on the budgets of most families, including the elderly and vulnerable groups.

“I am aware that we are still struggling with the affects of the economic slump. But to reduce council tax further would mean we could not keep our manifesto promise to raise standards in schools, improve care for the elderly and invest in roads.”

The County Council have identified over £21m of savings for next year by becoming more innovative in the way in which the council is run.

Atkins added:

“We are committed to sensible long-term financial planning, not panic measures or quick fixes. That is why we have committed to an additional £30m in highways programmes and other investments such as the Tipping Street development and the Building Schools for the Future programme for Tamworth and Rugeley. Both represent initial outlay that will pay dividends for many years to come. It is responsible budgeting.”

The debate will be broadcast online on SCC TV from 10am Wednesday morning (Feb 3 and 10).  You can watch it afterwards as well by downloading the meeting.  To access it simply go to the Staffordshire County Council Website and click the SCC TV icon.

Money - Photo Warren H

A Tamworth man has been sentenced to 41 days imprisonment for failure to pay his Council Tax.

Jamie Huskins, 27 of Amington Road was issued with a suspended sentence in April 2008 on an outstanding balance of £1,398.86 on the condition that he paid back £25 per week in respect of this debt.  Mr Huskins was unable to fulfil this condition and the case was recalled to court.

Councillor Jeremy Oates, leader of the Borough Council said;

“Mr Huskins has deliberately avoided his responsibility to pay his Council Tax and has continued to enjoy the services provided by Tamworth Borough Council at the expense of Tamworth Taxpayers.  The money we collect through Council Tax helps pay for services such as the household waste and recycling collection, street cleansing, CCTV, tackling anti social behaviour and maintaining parks and open spaces. Taking this action is a last resort for the Council and every measure has been taken to give Mr Huskins the opportunity to pay the monies owed.”