Independent to oppose council tax increase (From Bucks Free Press)

Independent to oppose council tax increase

7:30am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Andy Carswell

AN INDEPENDENT councillor says he will be voting against a planned increase in council tax for the next financial year.

Members of Chiltern District Council's cabinet proposed a 1.9 per cent increase earlier this month, saying it would lead to greater savings in future years.

The move needs the backing of a majority of the authority's 40 members at tonight's full council meeting, and it is understood councillors are split over whether to vote for the recommended increase or a freeze.

Cllr Seb Berry has told the Bucks Free Press he won't be voting in favour of the increase, having opposed it at a previous subcommittee meeting.

He said: "The net effect of any increase in council tax this year would be simply to increase the amount already earmarked for reserves in 2013/14 under a tax freeze budget. Not a penny of the 1.9 per cent increase would be spent on services this year.  

"It's not often that I agree with Eric Pickles, but we should freeze council tax for another year."

Mr Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, had previously said the Government would offer to fund any shortfall if a council decided to freeze the charge.

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