Protecting services for vulnerable people is a priority

Cabinet vows to peg tax and defend services

The county council's top bosses are planning to fulfil their promise of a 3.5% council tax increase.

Cabinet today approved proposals for the how the budget for 2009/10 would be delivered.

In a detailed report discussed at the Cabinet, councillors were told the latest news on: how residents' views have shaped the council's priorities; the government's grant to the authority; the impact of the current economic climate; and how much money has been saved.

County Council Leader John Taylor said: "Our number one priority is delivering the best possible services to all residents. A clear message from the consultation is that two areas: support for vulnerable and older people and reducing the level and fear of crime, continue to come top of what should get more money. It is reassuring to know that this matches our own priorities.

"I would love to announce that there is no increase in council tax however the cost of delivering our vast range of services has gone up due to inflation, utility bill rises and, in some cases, more people needing our services.

"Despite this we have worked hard to find savings from within our budget and it is our intention that the increase is kept to well-below inflation.

"This last year has seen fantastic improvements in our performance, which means better services for the people of Staffordshire. Next year our pledge is to deliver more improvements and even better value for money'."

The final budget will be set in February 2009.

The cabinet report can be accessed at:

http://moderngov.staffordshire.gov.uk/Published/C00000123/M00000957/AI00000777/$Item5StatPlanMTFS.docA.ps.pdf

Page Last Modified: 23/12/2008 10:12:38

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