At its Budget Council meeting on 23 February Conservative run Cheshire West and Chester Council froze the Council Tax at the 2011/12 level and were also able to give a one off 0.25% rebate, following unexpected additional reserves caused by lost wages and pension contributions following Strike Action.
Members agreed to end the inherited anomaly of double taxation existing in areas where the parish or town council is charging taxpayers through the parish precept for a service, provided elsewhere by the Borough Council.
All residents will see the introduction of a Special Expenses charge for these services which include play areas, Christmas lights and the provision of Police Community Support Officers.
The decision – rejected by all Opposition members – means residents currently paying this extra burden will see their council tax reduce by 0.66 percent. But the added 0.25 percent bonus reduction means that their bills will fall by 0.91 percent this year.
Residents currently not paying for these services through a parish precept will see a small increase through Special Expenses. However, the overwhelming majority of taxpayers will still receive a smaller council tax bill than last year.
Deputy Leader Councillor Les Ford said: “Of our 97 areas, 83 will gain while five towns and parishes and two unparished areas face a small increase. There are seven small parishes that will see a larger increase and we have offered support to them through transitional arrangements.”
In Weaver and Cuddington the parishes of Cuddington, Dutton and Weaverham will all see a small drop in the bills due to Special Expenses whilst Acton Bridge is one of the 7 parishes which will see a small increase.
For further details on how to pay your Council Tax go to: http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news_and_events/council_tax_2012-13.aspx
