Havant plans Council Tax freeze

Conservative-controlled Havant Borough Council is proposing a Council Tax freeze - not just for the coming year but for three years. They have set themselves ambitious targets to save money as they recognise this is likely to be a tough financial period in terms of central Government grant.

Their proposals are here. There are some increases in charges - the annual hire for a Council owned beach hut will go up from £575 to £600. I wonder how much administering these charges costs. Could there not be a case for beach hut privatisation? I'm surprised that the Council feels the need to retain a Climate Change and Sustainability Adviser. It is good for them to cut the energy bill but is a special job necessary to implement the measures to achieve this?

But the big picture is of keeping down the Council Tax through efficiency savings. Joint working, including a shared Chief Executive, with East Hampshire is providing substantial savings as is a new contract with Capita for Revenues and Benefits and Customer Services.

Labour is opposing the Council Tax freeze. They want a 1.9% rise.