North Ayrshire Council has agreed to a council tax freeze for 2008/2009 — but 14,000 tenants face a seven per cent rent rise.
The council budget for the next financial year was announced by council leader, David O’Neill, at a special NAC meeting held in Cunninghame House, Irvine last Thursday.
The figures had been agreed previously at a 40-minute meeting of the NAC executive.
Council tax will remain at the 2007-2008 level meaning that the charge for those properties rated in band D will stay at £1,152.
The council agreed to maintain council tax at the same level for 2009-10 and 2010-11 subject to the necessary financial support being forthcoming from the Scottish government.
Councillor David O’Neill said that in view of the settlement made by the Scottish government this year’s budget was probably the best that could be expected but could not address the very real additional pressure on services.
A seven percent rent rise was also agreed, meaning that 14,000 council house tenants will now pay an average weekly rent of £50.59p.
The increase is needed to fund a house improvement programme so that all properties meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015.
Councillor O’Neill welcomed the removal of ring fencing on funding and the flexibility that came with it but added: ‘It does not mean we have won the Lottery. It does not give us more money.’
Major capital spending for the coming years includes £2 million committed to urban regeneration, £3.5 million on essential projects for regenerating Irvine town centre, £2 millon for improvements to community centres and halls, £8 million on roads, street lighting and bridges, money for two new children’s units and investment in facilities for older people.
It was also agreed to set up a cross party member/officer working group to look in detail at spending options facing the council for 2009-10 and 2010-11.
The working group will report back to a full council meeting in June.
Band Valuation Council Tax 2008-09: A Under £26,999 — £768; B £27,000-£34,999 – £896; C £35,000-£44,999 — £1,024; D £45,000-£57,999 — £1,152; E £58,000-£79,999 — £1,408; F £80,000-£105,999 — £1,664; G £106,000-£211,999 — £1,920; H more than £212,000 — £2,304
