Harpenden Residents to be treated to a 0% Council Tax rise in 2012/13

Great news, especially in the current economic climate: St Albans City and District Council is planning to deliver an average Council tax rise of 0% in 2012/13 while continuing to protect frontline services.

At a meeting on the 6th December, the Cabinet heard that the Council is to make £600,000 in savings for 2012/13, to hold the District's Council Tax at this year's levels.  On the surface this is great news as it means no increase to bill payments, but it leaves the question hanging in the air as to where the savings will be made; will it affect our everyday lives or will we be unaware of where the cuts have been made?

The figures take into account a one-off government grant that the Council will receive if it freezes its element of Council Tax.

Councillor Julian Daly, Executive Leader for St Albans City and District Council, said: "The Council is faced with tight budgetary constraints. But we will make savings where we can, so that residents do not face an increase in the District Council's element of Council Tax in 2012/13. These are difficult times financially for many and we are doing everything to ensure that our portion of Council Tax remains flat.

"Longer term, the general economic outlook for the country is uncertain and the Government has indicated that austerity measures will need to continue. The grant that we are getting to help us freeze Council Tax may not continue beyond 2013. If it doesn't, we will do what we can to make savings to offset this, but there will be pressures to increase the tax in 2013/14."