Council tax increase to protect vital services
Council tax in Camden will increase by 4.99% from April 2017 - an extra £1.04 a week for a band D property. The rise includes a dedicated 3% supplement to help fund the growing costs of social care services for older people. The additional income from the 1.99% part of the rise will enable the Council to continue provide a wide range of services to residents.
The increase in council tax will provide an additional £5 million to the council’s income.
“The Government’s year-on-year funding cuts have created a national crisis in local government, particularly in adult social care. Their indifference to this crisis means that we have little choice but to reluctantly increase council tax.
“We have a strong track record of delivering high quality services to residents despite the impact of massive central government cuts. We’ve adopted new approaches to technology and managed our finances well so we can continue to deliver.
“But this year we need to raise council tax so that we can continue to meet the needs of our residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
“I am fiercely proud that we have been able to invest for the future and to innovate. We’re building thousands of new homes, our schools are among the best in the country and our local economy is strong. Our commitment to residents is that we will continue to deliver the high quality services that all resident value, to support those most in need and to invest in Camden’s future. ”
Government cuts to Camden’s funding have happened year on year since 2010. By 2018-19, like-for-like government funding will have been more than halved. The council has made major changes to how it provides services and found ways to increase its income. Major efficiencies across the council have cut costs while technological innovations and reviews of every service have allowed services to continue while getting better value for money.
The increase was agreed at last night’s meeting of the full Council.
You can read the full council tax report here.
Of England's 151 social care authorities, 147 are considering or have approved introducing the social care precept in 2017/18
108 of these councils (72 per cent) are considering or have approved introducing a 3 per cent social care council tax precept in 2017/18. 39 councils (25 per cent) are considering or have approved introducing a 2 per cent social care council tax precept in 2017/18.
The social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission, says the national social care system is “approaching tipping point”. http://www.cqc.org.uk/category/keywords/state-care
This is only the fourth time Council tax has risen in Camden in 11 years.