HUGE LEAP IN COUNCIL TAX

1.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 30th May 2009

Residents all over Poole are still reeling from the announcement that Poole's Conservatives voted in an inflation busting 4.8% increase in Council Tax for 2009/10. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the budget that would have seen nearly a full 1% taken off this was roundly condemned and voted down by the Tories

Cllr Philip Eades comments, "The Council seem utterly out of touch with the concerns of most of Poole's residents. Many will be having their wages frozen this year, others are losing their jobs. The ruling Tories were determined to bring in the maximum increase they could without being capped by the Government

"Poole has decided to impose the second highest Council Tax rise of all Unitary Authorities for 2009/10. For years the Tories have told us how they have kept Council Tax rises to a minimum and that they were building reserves for "a rainy day". Poole Lib Dems have desperately been trying to tell them that for many residents of Poole it's pouring down now but they refuse to listen."

… BUT CASH IS FOUND FOR TORY PAY RISES

Introduced alongside the huge increase in Council Tax for 2009/10 are the new increased allowances for Cabinet Portfolio Holders (all Conservatives). They will see their special responsibility allowance rise to £10,707 a 67% increase. Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny committees have already had a 43% pay rise in 2008/09 to £4,283. These councillors will also get the basic councillors allowance of £8,980

These enormous increases will result in the Democratic Services budget of the Council being £50,000 overspent for the next financial year. Cllr Philip Eades comments, "This is a disgraceful policy at a time when many residents of Poole are struggling. It is sticking their snouts in the trough of public funds and the ruling Tories should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves."