Increase in council tax likely for Tunbridge Wells residents

It emerged this week that Tunbridge Wells residents may face a small percentage increase to their council tax bill this year.

The council says a small rise will benefit its long term economic strategy and is proposing to raise its part of the council tax by 3.3 per cent.

The local authority says it needs to increase the charge because of Government cuts, the rise in inflation and business rates on the properties it owns.

The rise means residents in a Band D property will pay an extra £4.79 per year making a total of £149.83.

As seen on the national news earlier in the week, the council does have the option of taking a grant from Government meaning it can freeze its Council Tax for one year. However, finance officers say this would lead to a £1.5m gap in funding next year and an even higher hike in taxes for residents.

Council Leader Robert Atwood said: "We have thought very long and hard before making this recommendation. Nobody likes to increase taxation, particularly in these difficult times, and we are as reluctant as the next organisation to do so. We do feel it would be irresponsible to take the freeze grant now and ignore the effects of inflation on our costs.

"We have had many surveys of our residents who say they are pleased with the services that we provide and would be reluctant to see us discontinue any of them. Having made many efficiency savings in recent years we feel on this occasion there is a strong argument for taking this small adjustment in our Council Tax this year."

Tunbridge Wells says it still anticipates having the second lowest Council Tax rate in the county just behind Ashford.

The increase will be discussed at the council's next cabinet meeting. A final decision will be made by the full council on February 22. Kent County Council and the emergency services still have to decide their part of the tax for next year.