The Challenge

Savings

Thanet District Council needs to save £5.9 million over the next five years, of which £1.8 million must come from next year’s budget (2010/11).

Current economic climate

The council’s budget must be drawn up bearing in mind the current financial climate. The country is now in a formal recession and has seen a complete reversal in fortune for the financial and property markets. This has impacted on income levels, with the council seeing a reduction in income from a range of sources, including planning fees, bulky waste, car parking and land charges. We are also required to spend more in the forthcoming year e.g. on the concessionary bus fare scheme and waste disposal.

Budget cuts

The council receives approximately 60% of its funding from the government. It is anticipated that the council will see a cut in this funding from 2011/12.

Lowest levels of Council Tax

Thanet District Council needs to identify new ways of making savings as it is committed to keeping Council Tax levels as low as possible for residents. Last year, Thanet District Council set the lowest level of all districts in Kent with only a 3.99% increase for 2010-11 which is 15p on the average band D property. Next year the council wants to do even more to help its residents by setting the Council Tax increase at only 2.5%.

Communications

Email:

hannah.thorpe@
thanet.gov.uk

Phone:

01843 577120