Residents could be charged more for council services (From Northwich Guardian)

Residents could be charged more for council services

8:30am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

TAXPAYERS in Northwich look set to see their Council Tax increase by the back door, despite the council welcoming plans to freeze its charges for the second year running.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) plans to levy a ‘Special Expenses’ tax, on top of the ‘frozen’ Council Tax, in areas where it pays for Christmas lights, PCSOs, parks and open spaces.

This could see some residents paying increases of anything from £2 to £52 in the Northwich area, although other areas will see a decrease of up to £8.

Speaking at Monday’s town council meeting, Clr Paul Dolan, also a CWAC councillor, said: “We’re talking about £4 extra a year for Northwich residents but there’s been no evidence of consultation and I know of other communities in Cheshire west that are facing significant increases – I have real concerns.”

He added: “I think residents’ views are absolutely essential, they should be asked if they want to pay directly to the Christmas lights in the town centre.

“Businesses in Northwich already pay substantial business rates and Cheshire West should pay for the lights for the benefit of those traders.

“Council Tax from Northwich residents amounts to £8,079,000 and the council should provide details of expenditure for council services directly for the residents of this town – we need to know what we are getting for our money.”

Plans for both the Council Tax precept and the Special Expenses charge will go before CWAC’s executive group today, Wednesday.

CWAC is looking at levying special expenses to eliminate ‘double taxation’, which happens where a town or parish council funds services that CWAC pays for in other areas, leaving those residents effectively paying twice.

Because of this, some areas, whose parish or town council already pays for the services, will see a reduction in their Council Tax bill.

Other areas will pay more for the same services they have received in the past.

CWAC’s overall Council Tax income will not change, the charges will just be redistributed.

Clr Brian Jamieson said: “What worries me more than anything is that this is the thin end of the wedge.

“In the report going to CWAC’s executive there is a big list of potential concurrent functions and one, halfway down, is car parks.

“If Christmas lights are going to cost £4 extra, just imagine what impact car parks could have if that went ahead in the future.”

The town council is asking CWAC to defer its decision to allow for more in-depth consultation.

All figures are based on an average Band D property.

Increases: Acton Bridge £14.03 Little Leigh £19 Lostock Gralam £1.96 Northwich £4.02 Oakmere £15.85 Sproston £52.02 Decreases: Anderton and Marbury -£7.11 Barnton -90p Comberbach -£7.11 Cuddington -£4.36 Davenham -£8.26 Delamere -£7.11 Hartford -£5.67 Kingsmead -£7.11 Lach Dennis -£7.11 Moulton -22p Rudheath -£1.75 Weaverham -£2.85 Whitegate and Marton -£7.11 Whitley -£7.11 Wincham -£7.11