From our Local County Councillor
Council Tax
Since my last article you will have received your bill for Council Tax 2004/5.
After the dispute with the Government, the County increase amounted to 6.9% or
£52.78 for a Band D property. This final result allowed us to fund, but only
just, the schools budget which was the subject of the dispute in the first
place. The County bill at £813.24 (Band D) is the 4th LOWEST among Shire
Counties (but some Counties still retain Fire responsibility).
What upsets most people is the percentage increase of all local government authorities. The problem here is that people compare Council Tax increases with the Resale Price Index (R.P.I.). They overlook the fact that local government spends most of its money in paying people - teachers, social workers, police and fire fighters and their salaries in general go up more than the RPI. The situation is made worse by the need to buy its goods and services that have risen out of proportion, e.g. road mending and construction materials.
Nevertheless, in my opinion, the last two governments did not expect the growth of the Council Tax to become such a burden so soon. At the time of its invention, the view seems to have been "get rid of the Poll Tax quickly, anything will be better". That assumption is not proving to be correct.
It is time to abolish the Council Tax and come up with something fairer. I favour a local income tax incorporating an element of recognition of property ownership.
More time spent on trying for a better tax will be well spent provided governments recognise that you cannot have local administrations on the cheap. A fairer government contribution is where it all starts.
Local Projects
Turning away from the gloom of raising tax to the more cheerful subject of spending it on deserving local projects, there are several improvements coming. Firstly, a small group of horse riders met council colleagues to celebrate the opening of a new bridleway between the A1303 at Whitelands Farm and Heath Road, Swaffham Bulbeck.
Secondly, we can anticipate that the footpath between the Swaffhams will be upgraded to cycle/footpath standard within the year. Thirdly, discussions are taking place with the parish council of Bottisham and Burwell regarding traffic calming measures. Once the detail is agreed we can expect road marking, interactive and warning signs and a couple of new streetlights adjacent to St. Peter's Field, Bottisham. I am also hopeful of another interactive sign on the Lower End entrance to Swaffham Prior.