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Council tax rise is kept below the rate of inflation
NORTH Lincolnshire Council has set its council tax and spending levels for next year - and it is the lowest rise in two years.
Isle residents will see a below inflation rate of just 2.9 per cent increase on their council tax bill - that's one per cent less than last year.
More than half the properties in North Lincolnshire (35,000) are Band A properties - where residents will pay just 47 pence extra a week.
The council has also set its spending priorities for next year with a revenue budget (running costs) of 141.3m and set a capital budget (investments) of 202m over the next four years.
To balance the budget, the council has had to find 3.2m savings. It has done this by investing in new ways of working, improved energy management and waste recycling, and better procurement of goods and services.
Jobs have been protected and there are no cuts in services.
Key investments include: 35,000 extra to keep town centre streets clean; 200,000 on new school kitchen equipment, ventilation and improvements to dining areas; 500,000 on street lighting; and 620,000 to create 11 new play areas across North Lincolnshire.
NLC leader Councillor Mark Kirk, said: "I'm pleased that we've managed to keep council tax increases below the Government's capping limit of three per cent.
"The increase is less than last year and also below the current rate of inflation.
"I'm also pleased to say that there will be no compulsory redundancies or cuts to services.
"In fact we are about to invest millions of pounds on improving services for the people of North Lincolnshire.
"This is what people told us they wanted and I'm delighted that we will deliver on this."
He added: "At a time of economic uncertainty, we have been very fortunate to see major progress on some key projects such as The Pods and building schools for the future.
"Work on the Baths Hall will start soon and it will cost less to build - which is great news.
"We've an excellent track record for strong financial management.
"But even so, it's been difficult trying to keep council tax increases down and at the same time improve services, but we've done it.
"By working closely with officers, we have set a realistic budget.
"Unlike others we will not store up problems for the future."
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Weather for Epworth
Friday 18 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
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