Against a backdrop of unprecedented budget cuts, the budget and Council Tax for 2015/16 was agreed last month. By working as a Joint Administration we listened carefully to the consultation feedback and made numerous amendments to the original proposals, such as keeping Upminster Library open full time, scaling back parking fees in parks to 20p for three hours and 50p for five hours (free weekends and Bank Holidays), extending the Queen’s Theatre Grant reduction over three years rather than two, putting more money into Children’s Services and supporting an employee led mutual to run the Youth Service, possibly with the YMCA.

After the precept for the Mayor of London, Council Tax for 2015/16 will rise by 1.3%, the first increase since 2009.

Despite the very tough financial challenges we continue to face, it is vital we maintain good front line services while protecting our most vulnerable people. As such, we will make every effort to ensure our residents receive the best possible service and value for money is obtained at every turn.

Cllr Clarence Barrett

By Editor UCRA on 14th March 2015   /   News   /   Leave a comment