Council tax payers can expect no rise in the borough council tax element of their council tax.
Members of Harrogate Borough Council’s Cabinet last night (8 January) agreed to recommend a zero rise for the fifth year running.
Councillor Jim Clark, the council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said this fifth consecutive zero rise in council tax is quite exceptional and is good news for council tax payers.
Jim Clark added: There’s no need for a 1.95 per cent rise which is what we had been predicting. We can still get a balanced budget which means we will have enough money next year to deliver our services and there will be no need for any service cuts.
It has been a challenge to prepare our draft budget, but we’ve got a strong financial basis. We have again achieved this by prudent financial management and creating a number of efficiencies. I am pleased to report that the new waste service has saved over £750,000 and has increased residents’ recycling which has also had a positive financial impact. I am also pleased to add that next year will see a price freeze on some of our services.
It is right that we keep the council tax and charges as low as possible.
The final decision on the zero rise in Harrogate Borough Council’s council tax will be made at the full council meeting to be held on 13 February 2014.