Christchurch Borough Council raises Council Tax

Christchurch Borough Council (CBC) has agreed to raise its share of the Council Tax by 1.95% for the year 2013/14.

Cllr Ray Nottage, Leader of Christchurch Council, said: "In view of the level of inflation over the last three years, the increase represents a small amount today to avoid a potentially large increase at a later date.

"Our joint service strategy with East Dorset District Council is set to deliver a million pounds in savings. With further savings and a strategy of on-going below inflation increases in Council Tax, we will not need to cut frontline services despite the year-on-year cuts in government grant that will continue for the foreseeable future."

CBC has had its government funding cut by 28% over the past two years. It anticipates further cuts of 10% in the next year and more cuts beyond that. The increase represents 6p per week on a Band D property.