Council tax is going up by £46 a year (From Warrington Guardian)

Council tax is going up by £46 a year

COUNCIL tax in Warrington looks likely to go up by £46 a year for the average homeowner.

And councillors are considering cuts and charges to further plug a £6million gap in the budget at Warrington Town Hall.

But speaking exclusively to the Warrington Guardian, finance bosses say services will be maintained where possible and money spent - such as introducing free travel on public transport for pensioners.

Clr John Morris, executive member for finance, has now launched a week-long consultation process with the public, trade unions and businesses, before the figures are finalised at a crunch meeting at the end of the month.

But with a £13million hole in the budget, Clr Morris said tough choices had to be made.

He added: "The priority of this Labour council is to improve the situation in the wards in the most deprived areas.

"But escalating costs mean we must take tough discussions to ensure that money is spent on our priorities."

The budget shows that during the next year, almost £12million will be spent on improving council housing through the better homes scheme and £4.5million improving our roads.

And money has been promised on capital schemes such as improving Westy Park, replacing Culcheth youth club and spending £3.3million on sheltered housing.

Indeed £1.1million will be invested in introducing free travel for over 60s on either the buses or trains.

Clr Morris said: "The Labour council decided that we want to be able to ensure that older people have the ability to shop or get medical treatment without any financial restrictions."

Labour is planning a 4.95 per cent council tax rise from April, as was predicted in the Warrington Guardian in December.

This works out at £45.81 a year for the average band D property.

He also announced plans to increase money coming in, and cut it going out.

These include charging for some waste collections, increasing the charge for car parking at Walton Hall and for hiring sports facilities.

There will also be a more sweeping review of council charges in a bid to save £1.6million.

And reviews will be taking place into free school transport for over 16s and park events and the ranger service in a bid to make more savings.

For a detailed look at next year's spending plans, read next week's paper.

To have a say on the budget, e-mail budgetconsultation@warrington.gov.uk or newsdesk@guardiangrp.co.uk and we will pass your message on.

gdunning@guardiangrp.co.uk