Lib Dems Announce Budget for Innovation and Efficiency

2.15.13pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 25th Feb 2005

Lib Dem Eastleigh Borough Council Leader Keith House this evening launched a budget he described as of "innovation and efficiency" with a tax rise that looks to be the lowest in the South East and the second lowest District increase in the country.

The Eastleigh leader set a unique Tax Guarantee pledge last year, committing the Council to keep Council Tax 1% below December's inflation figure for three years running. Last year that meant a 1.6% increase, this year just 1.5%. Of English Districts, press reports suggest just one in Devon has a tax increase under this figure.

The Council has made efficiency savings to bring the budget requirement to such a low level, and has demonstrated innovation with services jointly run with other Councils and capital projects shared with Schools, the private sector and the University of Southampton as partners.

Over £600,000 of new spending proposals were launched in the Budget, targeted at recycling, new internet based services and support for sport and leisure. New funding comes from directly charging for some services delivered to selected residents, and reducing support for lower priority services.

"Eastleigh is not afraid to do things differently", commented Cllr House. "This budget gives innovation with plans to boost renewal energy and recycle more and delivering projects with more partners. It improves efficiency through working in leaner, smarter ways and using the internet and e-mail to bring the Council closer to people and speed up response rates".

The Council has renewed its commitment to a £43 million package of capital schemes running over 5 years across the Borough, which include the launch this spring of a new learner swimming pool in Hedge End, of a major revamp to Fleming Park Leisure Centre, and new affordable housing for those most in need.