Sponsored by
Seaford: It’s now a 10 per cent tax hike for residents
SEAFORD residents are facing almost a 10 per cent rise in the town council portion of their council tax.
Despite opposition by several Liberal Democrat councillors, the majority of town councillors voted in favour of the increase, which will see residents living in Band D properties paying an extra £4.42 a year per household on last year.
Lib Dem Councillor Bob Allen questioned why £10,000 within the precept was going towards Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
He said, “A rise in council tax over twice the rate of inflation to my mind is unacceptable.
“It (Diamond Jubilee) should be self-funding and perhaps we should get some outside sponsorship.”
The increase is 9.53 per cent and means people living in Band D households will pay £50.82 per year towards the town council portion of their bill.
The money going towards the Diamond Jubilee celebrations will cost residents in Band D homes around £1.
Resident Bob Gower said part of last year’s manifesto was to keep the precept down.
But Councillor Ian White said the change was the equivalent of an extra 36p per household per month for Band D properties.
Of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, he added, “The whole country will be contributing in some style, I think people of this town will expect to do the same.
“It’s got to come at some cost.
“All these organisations are struggling for money and this council feels it should take the lead in organising this event and by doing so we have to show a bit more leadership in putting up some money.”
He added that positive changes to the town would not come without investment.
Councillor Sam Adeniji said, “For me as a councillor it’s giving the people of Seaford value for money”.
While Councillor Sarah McStravick said, “I concur with Councillor Allen, in this time of austerity it’s difficult to defend the amount of money being spent.
“Perhaps we can do something along the lines of ticketing the event.”
Councillors backed the rise in council tax, agreeing to approve the precept in the sum of £509,629 for 2012-13.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South west
Comments
There are 2 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
roneoron
Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 02:45 PMIf all the town and parish councils imploded up their own pompous backsides would anyone really notice? I think not. One tier of central government with local offices is all that's needed. No expensive politically motivated councillors who accomplish nothing but party infighting, no outsourcing of local services to mega-bucks incompetents. Much ackers saved. Simples!
claretandblue
Friday, February 3, 2012 at 02:02 PMCan I ask, what would happen to the residents of Seaford if they refused to pay this 10% ? and why does it only apply to people in Band D ? Councillor White said : But Councillor Ian White said the change was the equivalent of an extra 36p per household per month for Band D properties. Of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, he added, âThe whole country will be contributing in some style, I think people of this town will expect to do the same. âItâs got to come at some cost. âAll these organisations are struggling for money and this council feels it should take the lead in organising this event and by doing so we have to show a bit more leadership in putting up some money.â Why are we expected to do the same, (contributing). Councillor White speaks as though the residents of Seaford are better off than the rest of the Country! He states that organisations are struggling, aren't the rest of us then ? If some of the residents of Seaford wish to participate in the Diamond celebrations, then let those residents pay for it. It is not fair that residents who do not want to celebrate have to pay up through the Council Tax!
Page 1 of 1
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.