Medway Council

Budget proposals could mean second year freeze

Council tax in Medway is set to remain the cheapest in Kent after their cabinet agreed proposals to freeze rates for a second year.

If the proposals go ahead, the charge for an average Band ‘D’ property will remain at £1,119.15 a year, around £130 cheaper than anywhere else in the county.

Deputy leader and finance chief Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “The council received an unprecedented cut to its funding last year, and we face another huge reduction this year.

“But I am pleased to say that these budget proposals will allow us to make efficiencies while maintaining the vital frontline services we provide for our 257,600 residents every day of the year.”

The council say that budget proposals for 2012/13 have taken into account the £14.3million reduction in government grants.

Medway chiefs added that savings need to be made to cover the hole in the finances including cuts to the “council’s supporting people budget” as well as the government programme for funding, planning and monitoring housing related support services.

Cllr Jarrett added: “We have found funding to keep free swimming for under-16s and over 60s, bring about one-to-one tuition for primary school children where needed and to ensure our popular apprenticeship scheme, aimed at getting young people onto that vital first step on the career ladder, continues.

“We are also able to continue with the Medway Youth Pass, along with other important and popular measures, and the increase in car parking charges will help to fund our overall commitments.”

The council’s budget proposals will go before Full Council for a decision on Thursday, February 23.