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Press Release

COUNCIL TAX SET TO RISE NO MORE THAN INFLATION

25 July 2007

Camden’s council tax rise is set to remain at or below the level of inflation for the next three years, the Council’s latest budget projections show.

A long-term efficiency programme will also ensure tax-payers’ money is spent wisely on services residents want and need, while increases in central government funding look set to fall.

The government is expected to announce funding levels for the next three years as part of its comprehensive spending review in the autumn. It has already signalled funding increases will be lower than in recent years.

The change is likely to mean Camden Council is left without enough cash to cover inflation costs and keep up with the demands of its growing inner-city population.

To ensure residents aren’t affected by the move, the Council launched a long-term efficiency programme last year. The scheme aims to cut costly bureaucracy, duplicated services and find more efficient ways of delivering existing services.

Spending plans for next year are still to be finalised, but will include a focus on 14 service improvements – from education and training opportunities for young people to better housing opportunities.

Executive Member for Resources, Cllr Janet Grauberg said:

“At the moment, future funding from government is uncertain but the funding projections are bleak. We’ll do everything to hold council tax rises down as we know big increases cause the most difficulty for people on fixed and low incomes.

“We are continuing to make tax-payers’ money work harder and to make sure the Council is in fit shape for the future. This will mean we can do more to meet the priorities of the people of Camden, making the borough more sustainable, more attractive to live and work in and where more people have the opportunities they deserve.”

The Executive agreed the strategic review and medium term financial strategy on Tuesday 24 July.

The report also shows how spending in the borough will focus on the top priorities for the people of Camden. Identified during a consultation with residents and businesses over the past year, the Council will focus resources on making Camden a borough of opportunity for all by 2012.



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Camden Council

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