Thoughts on next year's council tax increase

10.36.31pm GMT Mon 29th Dec 2008

The New Year has now arrived and I can confidentally predict that, having attended the Executive council meeting on 16 December, Bracknell Forest Borough Council will raise council tax in 2009 by the maximum amount permitted by the Government.

The 2009/10 budget proposals released for public consultation at the meeting make it almost inevitable, if previous experience is any guide, that the council will raise council tax to help overcome a projected shortfall of over £4m. Despite the derogatory income being received from the transfer of the council's housing stock to a new housing association and a modest reduction in overhead costs, the council still cannot live within its means.

At a time when the economy is clearly going into recession and residents are faced with ever increasing bills, inflation busting council tax increases are the last thing that council taxpayers need. Bracknell has raised council tax by the maximum permitted amount every year for ar least the last four years. During this time front-line services have been under constant pressure, while managerial and supervisory positions have flourished.

Residents could be forgiven for feeling that the council is now more interested in chasing targets, scoring brownie points and obtaining stars from the Government, than in providing the services that are urgently needed. Navel-gazing is rife and while much of the blame for this rests ultimately with the Government, the council seems quite happy to go on churning out endless statistics, plans and strategies to meet the Government's wishes.

2009 will be a difficult year for most people and another council tax increase above the rate of inflation will show just how much local Conservatives really are out of of touch, despite what David Cameron might say.

May I take this opportunity nevertheless to wish your readers a Happy New Year!

Ray Earwicker

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bracknell