Welcome for below inflation Council Tax increase (Birmingham Liberal Democrats)

Birmingham Liberal Democrats <info@birminghamlibdems.org.uk>

Welcome for below inflation Council Tax increase

February 23, 2010 10:47 PM

"Our priorities are to protect the vulnerable people in the city whilst providing a clean and safe environment for everyone and making sure everyone who wants to work can work," said Cllr Paul Tilsley, Leader of Birmingham's Lib Dem Council Group. He was speaking as Birmingham City Council agreed its budget for 2009/10, including a 1.9% increase in Council Tax, earlier this evening.

The below inflation Council Tax increase of 1.9% is one of the lowest among England's main cities. Commenting on the Council Tax increase, Cllr Tilsley said: "This is not just a gimmick or an easy punch line to a difficult budget; it is a genuine saving for every tax payer in the city. Following the consistency we have been committed to over the past five years, households now typically pay £100 less than they would have paid if our Council Tax had increased at the English average rate. £2 per week - compare that to what was a record rise of £5 per week in the late '90s under Labour."

In difficult economic times, money is also being directed to where it is most needed. This year, among other things:

a £10.5 million Business Loan Fund is being delivered in partnership to larger businesses;
a Birmingham Business Support package has been secured which will stimulate the local economy with £31m of projects and programmes; and
£8million will be invested to allow older people to live independently for longer.

A Green New Deal has also recently been approved. A five-year programme to refit existing housing and small business premises could save households an average of £269 annually on domestic fuel bills, helping reduce fuel poverty and improve the environment.