Liberal Democrat Council Keeps Council Tax Low

10.20.00pm GMT Fri 21st Dec 2007

Milton Keynes Council's Liberal Democrat administration is putting forward a budget that focuses on its priorities and pledges made to local residents. It also keeps the council tax increase to no more than inflation.

Strong lobbying in Westminster by the Liberal Democrat-run Council has led to the its funding from central government being slightly better than expected. This, together with tough efficiency targets being set for council managers, means that front-line services are protected.

The Liberal Democrats are proposing a council tax increase of 3.9% which matches the cost of inflation rise which pensioners will receive from the Government next year. This is the equivalent of 94p per week for the average Band D council tax payer. Milton Keynes council taxpayers currently pay £60 less than the national average.

Council Leader Isobel McCall said: "I am pleased that we are able to honour our pledge of keeping council tax rises to no more than the rate of inflation. We can only do this by setting council managers some tough targets to keep council spending under control. Although the Government has reduced the amount it is taking away from us to redistribute to other councils under the so-called 'damping mechanism', we are still losing over £5 million to which we are entitled under their formula."

The Liberal Democrat budget proposals invest an additional £800,000 in:

• community safety and tackling anti-social behaviour

• activities for young people

• continuation of the 'litter busters' team (funded last year for one year)

• raising educational standards at GCSE level in lower performing schools

• support for the Bletchley to Bedford railway line

• regeneration

• strong enforcement of Houses in Multiple Occupation

• extra resources to deal with flood prevention.

The Council has exceeded Government efficiency targets in the past and we will continue this course of action to make even better use of residents' money. This year we intend to save an extra £3 million over and above the targets.