The Labour Government gave us assurances about the level of support for local government over a period of years and they have kept their promise. We've had a good settlement from them this year and this, coupled with the stability that we now have about future funding, means that we have been able to keep well within the 5% maximum increase that we announced originally.

 

That stability means that we can plan our finances much better. We are also starting to get the benefits from the efficiency savings which we have identified over the last few years. Following recommendations from the Board, the Borough Council approved a tax increase of just 2.7%. That's 7p per week for a Band D property in the Borough - and we are well on the way to having the lowest council tax in Cheshire.

 

Of course, the bills that people receive may show a different story. They go out in our name because we are the organisation that collects council taxes but mainly for others. Our part of the council tax bill is now less than 12%. The rest is set by the County Council, together with the police and fire authorities, but at least we are doing our bit.

 

The Borough Council continues to operate with a delicate political balance. It is Labour led, but not Labour controlled. Nonetheless, there has been a continued constructive approach and with the support of some of the minority Groups the Council has worked for the benefit of the Community.

 

As anticipated, our opponents proposed a lower tax increase and lower service levels. However, we need to continue the work we have done, and ensure that when there are difficult years we minimise the impact on council tax payers. No-one will thank us for a policy of short-term gimmicks with a long-term cost. We promised 3 years ago that we would keep council tax rises within a 5% ceiling. We have kept that promise and can now renew it for a further 3 years.

 

It's not just prudent finance though. With the income from this year's budget we will be doing our bit to address people's concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.  Two new Community Wardens will give more regular patrols.  A large-scale programme of alley-gating is now underway because the great majority of residents say that it makes them feel safer.  We are also spending more on CCTV cameras.

 

We have listened to people who tell us that there should be more for young people to do.  So we are investing more in better play and sports facilities in local neighbourhoods as well as in key villages.  More cash is available for sports coaching and other outreach work for all the young people who don't like joining organised groups. We will also set up a special Youth Fund so that young people can decide their own spending priorities.

 

The Borough area is judged to be in the top bracket nationally for cleanliness, but we appreciate that local people want to see more improvement.  So we are investing £2,500 per week extra in more street sweepers and neighbourhood cleansing teams.

 

We have listened, we are listening, we are responding, and we are keeping costs down. I'm proud of our achievements and would like to thank our officers, and my colleagues, for their hard work and good judgment in planning this year's budget.

 

February 2006