Inside Swale 13 In preparing for 2011/12 the Council has taken a root and branch review of how we run ourselves as an organisation. This involves every effort being made to release further efficiencies – for example, through working arrangements with other authorities – see audit item on page 11. Together, this means that front line services and grants to community and voluntary sector groups have been largely untouched, despite the significant losses of grants and other means.
Council Tax 2011/12 House Band
Kent County Council £
Swale Borough Council £
Kent Police Authority £
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority £
A B C D E F G H
698.52 814.94 931.36 1,047.78 1,280.62 1,513.46 1,746.30 2,095.56
106.62 124.39 142.16 159.93 195.47 231.01 266.55 319.86
92.45 107.86 123.27 138.68 169.50 200.32 231.13 277.36
45.30 52.85 60.40 67.95 83.05 98.15 113.25 135.90
Funding basics The local government formula grant settlement announced on 13 December has been referred to as the worst funding settlement for local government since 1945 – so what does it mean for the funding the Council receives? Formula Grant This consists of two elements and the Council can spend this grant on anything we choose. For the financial year 2011/12 we will receive 14% less of the formula grant and then in 2012/13 a further 13% less. Specific Grants These grants are awarded to us in relation to specific activities we undertake. The government has cut this back significantly in order to balance the books. One new grant that will be very important to us will be the New Homes Bonus – a way of rewarding councils for supporting the building of new homes. Fees and Charges In December the Council’s Cabinet members agreed a report reviewing all the different fees and charges for services the Council provides, such as parking or pest control. http://tiny.cc/Swale-FB
Total Council Tax (excluding parish precepts) £
942.89 1100.04 1257.19 1414.34 1728.64 2042.94 2357.23 2828.68
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