Council Tax is never a cheerful subject
for debate that usually revolves around
abstract percentages. And as one resident
wisely pointed out "I don't take a
percentage to the greengrocers - I take
pounds and pence."
How your Council Tax is made up
Statistics can be made to prove many different viewpoints but these are the facts.
Your total Council Tax is, as always, made up of three parts, Elmbridge's share which is only 14.4%, Surrey County Council's share which is 73.2% and the Police at 12.4%. Elmbridge collects all three portions.
Elmbridge's share will increase by 4.2%, (an increase of 15 pence per week for a Band D household), Surrey County Council's share will increase by 4.99% and Surrey Police will increase by 5.8%.
So how much in total?
| For a band D property 2006-2007 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Elmbridge share | 14.4% | £189.89 |
| Surrey C.C. share | 73.2% | £966.69 |
| Surrey Police | 12.4% | £163.26 |
| Total | £1,319.84 | |
Elmbridge's Record
It is a straight forward fact that Elmbridge is, to quote the Audit Commission, an "excellent Authority." This was achieved by a rigorous approach to our costs.
Elmbridge has fewer staff per head of population than any other borough in Surrey. We employ quality staff to deliver a quality service.
The review of every income and expenditure stream achieved a budget saving figure of £2.5 million from efficiency savings and new income generation.
Improving Services
Elmbridge remains committed to providing "front line services". Unlike a number of neighbouring boroughs we have not made cuts in these services. This year will see an improvement to our community transport service. Our Centres for Retired People are a vital part of a socially aware borough.
The Ember Centre in the Vera Fletcher Hall in Thames Ditton goes from strength to strength with new art, bridge and Tai Chi classes.
We continue to extend our recycling service and facilities. Recycling is expensive but vital. If we do not increase the amount we recycle we will pay a vastly heavier cost in the future.
The fabulous new leisure facility overlooking the Thames is ahead of schedule for opening this summer. It is also within budget - an almost unheard position for a major construction contract. The extension of free bus passes is a mixed blessing for Thames Ditton as the travel area does not include London.
The Elmbridge share of the Council Tax is based on a balanced, fair, reasonable and practical budget and deserves at least grudging support!
Councillor Edward Rowe
Free Bus Passes for Over 60's
Elmbridge Council has introduced bus passes free of charge and providing free travel on buses, which are available now for use after 1st April. They apply to all bus journeys in Surrey and to Surbiton and Kingston, but not to further journeys in London. Bus passes can be obtained from the Ember Centre at the Vera Fletcher Hall 4 Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton, on Mondays and Thursdays between 9.30am - 12 noon and 2.30pm - 4.00pm.You can also contact Dee Duddy at Elmbridge Borough Council Tel: 01372 474552. You should provide proof of age and evidence that you are a resident of Elmbridge (eg a Council Tax statement or utility bill).