News

Council Tax for Folkestone residents has now been cut by the Town Council following two years without an increase.

Folkestone Town Council Chair of the Council’s Finance and General Purpose’s Committee, Councillor Paul Marsh, announced a reduction in the precept from £496,510 to £494,020 – a cut of around 5p in Council Tax Band D levels.

It's the third year of no increases despite additional spending on services.

Town Mayor, Councillor Janet Andrews, said: "This shows that the careful planning by all Councillors matching limited resources to necessary spending has again contributed to achieving cross party agreement on our Precept demand."

Councillor Rodica Wheeler, Leader of the Conservative Group commented: "Setting the precept always requires a balancing act between not increasing the tax burden on the one hand, and, on the other hand, keeping the services provided by the Town Council at a satisfactory level. This has been even more challenging this year, given the current economic climate."

Councillor Tim Prater, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Council Tax from Folkestone has been frozen for the last three years and this year has even been slightly cut. I’m delighted that in Folkestone we are listening to local people who are facing really difficult financial times and doing our bit to make things a little easier."

Councillor Brian Copping, Leader of People First, commented "It is always pleasing to see a reduction.".

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010