One of the most important decisions made by a Council is to set the budget each year. I am pleased to be able to tell you that the Cabinet will consider a recommendation to freeze the Council Tax for the fourth consecutive year at its meeting on 12th February. This proposed freeze follows four years of Crawley having the lowest Council Tax rise in Sussex and would also see the Council having a balanced budget in 2014/15.
The council tax is made up of 3 parts being – Crawley Borough Council, West Sussex County Council and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. The Borough Council Tax Freeze which is proposed by the conservative group means that Crawley Borough Council part of the bill will not increase.
Last year, for every pound paid in Council Tax, Crawley Council received 13p, West Sussex County Council received 78p and Sussex Police received 9p. The Borough Council has made £8.8m of savings and efficiencies in the last six years and has also continued to invest in the town and encourage investors from both the public and private sectors.
The proposed budget will go to the full Council on the 26th February. It will ensure that we continue to protect frontline services and also continue our ongoing programme of investment in the town which this year has seen improvements in local parades, Worth Park gardens , Ifield Mill pond, and Broadfield Barton regeneration project.
The proposed budget sees the Council's capital programme increase by almost £2 million over the next three years. It includes proposals for additional money for disabled facility grants, community safety improvement projects, a variety of water management schemes and a new green gym in Tilgate Park. There is also funding for maintenance of council owned buildings, including the Town Hall, K2 and The Hawth. The Council will also continue with its capital projects planned over the next three years including providing affordable housing.
It remains our aim to achieve a balanced budget recognising the need to continue to offer efficient services, and good value for money for all Crawley’s residents.
More details on Council Tax bandings and ways to pay, can be found at www.crawley.gov.uk/counciltax
Councillor Dr Howard Bloom, Leader of Crawley Borough Council
5th February 2014