News

DOVER COUNCIL PAT THEIR BACKS OVER TAX INCREASE

Dover District Council has confirmed the Council tax rate for the district at its meeting on 1 March. The district part of the Council tax bill is to increase by £6.03 to £127.89 per year for Band D properties.

Council Tax for Kent County Council (£877.05), Kent Police Authority (£110.88) and Kent Fire and Rescue (£57.15) and a parish precept (average of £31.51) is added to that figure. This brings the average total bill for a Band D property in the district to £1,204.48 for the year, an increase of £45.72 or 3.95%.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: 'The District Council has made important strides forward in priority areas that the public has identified, including the launch of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, and we have taken on additional responsibilities, including the new licensing arrangements.

'We have been able to keep the district rise to 4.9%. The Government grant contribution this year is a total of 2.8%, which barely meets wage and salary inflation levels. In all, with increasing pressures on pensions and extra recycling services, to set a level below 5% is a particularly good achievement.'