News and press releases
Another Low Rise In South Tyneside Council Tax
Press release
South Tyneside Council today (Thursday 27th February) agreed a Council Tax rise of 2.87% for the borough - its lowest increase for 14 years and one of the lowest in the region.
Council Leader, Councillor Iain Malcolm said: "This year there was widespread support for continuing our investment in services that are important to our residents while keeping Council Tax increases down. I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this and deliver another low increase.
"South Tyneside Council continues to be one of the top performing councils in the country and we have the maximum four star 'Excellent' council rating from the Audit Commission. We work hard to ensure that we achieve high value for money and we always challenge ourselves to make sure our costs compare well with others. Our aim is to make sure that the money we spend results in high quality services that meet and satisfy local needs, ensuring we achieve the best value possible from every pound we spend."
For the majority of householders in South Tyneside (66.8%) it will mean an increase of 50p per week or an annual increase of £26.22 giving a new Band A charge of £940.14.
The Council's Lead Member Resources, Councillor Ed Malcolm said: "This year's 2.87% increase is among the lowest in the north east. We have set this budget in unprecedented economic times; nevertheless this Council can be proud of delivering a social justice agenda."
"We have worked extremely hard to keep it to just 2.87% which is the lowest in 14 years and continues our impressive record of reducing the level of increases year on year. This budget has been achieved with no job josses or raiding the reserves whilst protecting our valued front line services. It also shows that we are committed to keeping the promises we were elected on.
"Our budget this year aims to maintain the quality of the services our residents value the most, save money by working more efficiently where we can, and keep council tax low for local people. We have have shown that we are not afraid to make tough decisions and still maintain the quality of our services."
Background Information:
- The revenue budget for 2009/10 is £165.907 million.
- Council Tax level for the borough in 2009/10 has increased by 2.87%.
- The majority of Borough householders (66.8%) are in Band A and will pay an extra 50p per week or £26.22 per year.
- For Band D Council Tax payers the change will mean an increase of 76p per week or £39.33 per year giving a new charge of £1,410.21
- Rents for Council houses will increase on average by 6.7% in accordance with government rent restructuring guidelines.
| Band | Annual Council Tax | Weekly Increase |
| A | £940.14 | 50p |
| B | £1,096.83 | 59p |
| C | £1,253.52 | 67p |
| D | £1,410.21 | 76p |
| E | £1,723.59 | 92p |
| F | £2,036.97 | £1.09 |
| G | £2,350.35 | £1.26 |
| H | £2,820.42 | £1.51 |
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