Telford & Wrekin Council Watch - Council Tax Increase

Council Tax Increase - Services Cut

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Written by John Franklyn

Saturday, 08 March 2008

Council Tax Increases – Services Cut Back

The Residents of Telford & Wrekin have seen their Council Tax increase year on year with the overall Tax Bill for a Band D property being

£1,351.64 a year

This represents an increase of some £304.82 since the year 2003 - 2004

But we must be asking –

“Just what are we getting in return for this spiralling cost”

In Simple terms,

We are seeing less Police on the Streets and Estates

We have a reduced waste collection

We have reduced Street Cleaning Services

We have less Social Housing

But we do have more homeless and Higher waiting lists for Social Housing

And this is now going to be further impacted on by further cuts in this Years budgets, although these are strategically placed under the heading of

SCHEDULE OF SAVINGS PROPOSALS

A number of them do impact in a negative way on Customer Service, Front line Services and ultimately the most vulnerable in our communities.

£5000 has been cut from furniture storage for those who become homeless.

You May recall that a Senior Citizen was made homeless prior to the May elections and had to pay £320 per month for furniture storage and at a time when housing is low, demand is high and homelessness is increasing.

Bulk Waste Charges are to be introduced

This will could see a large rise in fly tipping

£10,000 will be removed from the support to vital community support such as the CVS, CAB etc

This will impact on the voluntary Sector in a negative way which in turn can only adversely effect those who benefit from the voluntary sector

Meals On wheels cost increased

A 20p increase on a meal for Senior Citizens. For some this could represent a 60p per day increase

Low Level Preventative Home Service

The subsidy has been reduced and the hourly rate increased from £3.55 to £6 per hour

Increase Incomes at the Theatre

Will reduce opportunity for subsidised events

Reduced Library Book Fund

Reduced opportunity to meet customer needs.

Other negative impact include

Street Lighting Inspections reduced

Remove Maxi taxi Service

Supporting People Purchasing Budget

There a number of other proposed savings throughout the budget and we will be receiving less customer service, impact on front line services which all means a negative impact on the “Customer” – Service user.

I for one do not remember these issues being mentioned to the public in consultation and would suggest that if front line services are at risk, Customer services levels are being negatively impacted yet we are expected to pay more and more, it is increasingly important that we as residents have an increased say and greater involvement.

Now is time for a residents panel that is allowed to speak and not be steered by leading questions through the “Community Panel”.

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