Wandsworth again pledges lowest tax

Author: Local Government Chronicle - Feb 19, 2010

Wandsworth is again ready to boast the lowest council tax in the UK for an average Band D property after proposing a freeze for the third year.

Deputy council leader Maurice Heaster said the council’s low tax record should serve as a benchmark for national government: "While the Government has lost control of public spending, councils like Wandsworth continue to provide excellent local services without hitting people in the pocket.

"Over the years we have managed our finances carefully so that today the council is virtually debt-free. Add to that the year on year savings we continue to make from service reviews and you have the formula for a low council tax."

The council’s budget requirement for 2010-2011 will be set at £198.187m.

The proposals for 2010-2011 will be considered first by the corporate resources overview and scrutiny committee on 3 March before being voted on by the full council on 10 March.

A typical two-person household in the borough will pay a Band D tax of £682 in 2010-2011. Band D residents liable for the levy of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators will pay a slightly higher inclusive figure of £706.

Across all properties the average Band D amount payable will remain unchanged at £687.

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