Have your say on tax increases

Feb 6 2008

FAMILIES are urged to have a final say on a planned council tax rise before a consultation exercise ends this week.

Cannock Chase Council has put together a draft budget and is asking people in the town to give their views or put forward alternative suggestions.

A consultation panel, made up of 60 members of the public, aired its views at the Civic Centre last month.

The council's cabinet now says it is keen to hear from as many residents as possible to help it put forward its final proposals.

The listed growths and savings in the draft budget are based on a three-year budget with a council tax increase of five per cent per annum, which is the maximum allowed by Government.

Cabinet is not recommending this level of increase but would welcome suggestions from consultees on what the level should be and if a lower level, how this could be achieved.

Council leader Neil Stanley said: "It is important that residents let us know of their opinions as they will help us to form our final proposals.

The consultation ends on February 8.

Anyone who would like to comment on the proposals can either do so in writing or email the deputy chief executive Les Trigg on lestrigg@ cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Written comments should be addressed to the Cannock Chase Council, PO Box 28, Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock.