Conservatives on Brentwood Council have agreed a budget for 2014, which will protect all current services whilst also delivering a Council Tax cut of 1.5%, meaning they will be charging less than they did in 2009.
The council tax cut is accompanied by extra investment across the Borough, with total spend exceeding £44m.
Speaking after Wednesday's Full Council meeting, Leader of the Council, Louise McKinlay said, "The budget is the strongest yet that we have delivered for Brentwood and is testament to the sound financial footing that we have secured for the Council over the last few years. In times of austerity and huge cuts in funding from the government, we are demonstrating that it is possible to do more with less and provide value for money for residents, as we not only reduce Council Tax bills but also continue to invest in services that matter most to residents. "
Key highlights of the budget were as follows:
- Council Tax cut of 1.5% leading to real term reduction of 16% in Council Tax rates since 2009
- Free parking across Brentwood for 30 mins in all Council owned carparks
- £1.5m investment for a park and stride /ride scheme for Shenfield
- £100k investment in public realm around Shenfield and Brentwood Stations
- Introduction of a new "Green Redeem" schemes, which will reward residents for recycling, whilst also supporting local businesses
- Provision of free food waste recycling bags
- £100k investment in children's play areas
- Continuation of the popular Neighbourhood Action Teams, to focus on keeping our Borough looking tidy
- Maintenance of Ward Budgets to fund localised projects
Deputy Leader, Roger Hirst added, " Despite cuts of nearly 40% in government grant funding, we have nevertheless, ensured we deliver additional investment in our services. This has been made possible by better procurement, renegotiating contracts and carrying out a big internal transformation programme, which has saved the Council hundreds of thousands of pounds. Sound financial management has allowed us not only to invest more in the areas that matter but also pass on some of these savings in the form of a Council Tax cut."
Louise McKinlay made clear that no services had been cut to fund the Council Tax reduction or the extra investment in services. She said, " I am proud of this budget and what it delivers for our Borough. In these tough times, when other Councils are cutting services and even increasing Council Tax, we are doing just the opposite by providing good services for taxpayers and at a lower cost. Only the Conservatives have a record of delivering for Brentwood whilst keeping taxes down."