Council’s tax freeze in Bury for 2014/15

Bury Council has frozen the amount of council tax it demands from residents, it was agreed by councillors tonight (Wednesday 19 February). 

Members also agreed that the main road through Prestwich is to benefit from a half-million pound upgrade.

Council tenants also got good news, with the council agreeing to take the rent rise below the rate of inflation and by announcing an extra £12.4 million of investment in their homes over the next three years.

The council also endorsed cuts of £9.6 million in 2014/15, comprising £7.4 million in line with the budget agreed last year under the Plan for Change, plus a further £2.2 million of mostly internal efficiencies.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for finance and corporate affairs, said: “We know how much Bury residents are suffering in these tough economic times, whether striving to get a job or struggling through on low incomes while the price of essentials rises all the time. So, despite huge and unprecedented cuts to our budget, we have decided to freeze the Bury element of council tax this coming year.

“We have done our very best to protect frontline services, but there is only so much we can do.

“This year, the Government has slashed the money we receive by almost 9.9%, and we expect an even bigger cut of 14% next year. This means possible cuts of £15.8 million in 2015/16, and £15.6 million in 2016/17. By then, the council will have been forced to make a total of £69 million of cuts since 2010, equivalent to £370 for every person in Bury.”

The meeting also approved a £500,000 project to upgrade the A56 (Bury New Road) through Prestwich Village.

Council leader Mike Connolly added: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to freeze the council tax this year, and I know that residents will welcome this. The budget is also a good deal for tenants, and I’m sure Prestwich residents will welcome investment in their area.”

On housing, the council had originally planned to spend £22 million over three years on upgrading its 8,000 council houses, which are managed by Six Town Housing, but this will now go up to £34 million. It will pay for new heating, kitchens and bathrooms, plus roof repairs and environmental improvements. Council house rents will rise this year by 2.5%, which is less than inflation (RPI is 2.8%).

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 February 2014.

Notes to editors:The council tax for 2014/15 comprises the amount that Bury Council charges for its services – which has been frozen – plus precepts which are paid to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. The Police and Crime Commissioner has increased the police precept by 1.99%, which means the total council tax bill for Bury residents will increase by 0.2%. This is equivalent to £2.97 for residents in Band D houses.