From the WMDC Press and Communications Office
BUDGET MAKES SERVICES THE PRIORITY
1 MARCH 2006
Wakefield
District residents will pay the lowest council tax in West Yorkshire and
one of the lowest taxes in the country following today's budget setting
meeting.
Council
Leader Peter Box said he had focused on the services local people say
matter most to them, with the environment, a dynamic local economy and
public safety the priorities.
The
Council agreed to an increase of 3.5%, equating to an increase of
approximately 41 pence a week in a Band A property, or £21.50 in a full
year. The national average proposed increase is 4.3%.
Councillor
Box said: "Our aim is to ensure we give residents value for money and
continuously improving services.
"This
budget is about local people and their communities. Our emphasis is on
improved ways of working, helping to create safer and cleaner places,
helping young people in education and protecting those people who are most
vulnerable.
"We
are continuing to invest in those services which people tell us matter
most, but this has also meant us taking some difficult decisions on where
that money is coming from."
Councillor
Box announced that a restructure of the Council will help save money, with
a smaller corporate management team, a reduction in the numbers of heads
of service and closer scrutiny of the use of agency and temporary staff.
He
added: "We have taken the opportunity to look at the whole structure
to realign services and budgets, and a new service area of culture will
link in with our new key priority of culture and sport.
"The
last three years has been a period of unprecedented and rapid improvement
in Wakefield, and these changes are designed to continue that
progress."
Ref:
PR734
Date: 01/03/06
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