Council tax freeze in South Bucks despite £80k Olympic bill

First Published by: Free Press

SOUTH Bucks District Council has frozen its portion of the Council Tax despite having to set aside £80,000 for the Olympic events at Dorney Lake.

Though the council is not paying to stage the actual rowing and kayaking events, it has factored in the costs of extra demand for its services.

Extra spending is expected to go on environmental health staff, including on-call and emergency arrangements, as well as street cleaning and refuse collection.

Meanwhile, the council tax freeze means the annual charge for an average Band D home in the district, which covers Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, will stay at £143 for the next financial year.

Leader Adrian Busby said this was ‘very good news’ for residents, saying it was achieved through "the constant search for efficiency savings and additional revenue streams". This would mean increases in local parking charges and alike; But he added: "I wish I could stand here this evening anticipating that the worst is over and things were financially on the up.

"Unfortunately I do not believe that is the case. We are facing further reductions in Government funding, significant uncertainty over the new scheme for retention of business rates, changes in the benefits regime, and continuing low interest rates on cash investments."

An average home in the district will be charged a total council tax bill for the year of £1,489. Most of this goes to Buckinghamshire County Council.

For Beaconsfield residents, £43 of this average bill will go to the town council, which froze its parish precept. Gerrards Cross Parish Council also froze its precept, charging an average home £45 for the year.

Stoke Poges Parish Council, which stunned villagers with a 107 per cent increase last year, has also opted for a freeze.

Are you paying too much Council Tax?