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Council tax one of the lowest in the country

Sound investment and efficient operation have meant West Oxfordshire District Council is once again able to charge the second lowest council tax in England.

The Council has set a three per cent increase from April meaning the average Band D household will pay £94.38, just £2.75 higher than last year. That compares to a 5.1 per cent average increase nationally.

Only Breckland District Council in Norfolk will pay a lower rate out of 201 authorities, according to newly released Government statistics.

When the Council’s budget was set last month, it was revealed its financial position had improved by £447,000. Rises in investment income, additional funding from the Rural Services Delivery Grant and an increase in the Council’s retained share of business rates had contributed to this.

Sharing services with Cotswold and Forest of Dean District Councils is also saving around £2m a year with a further £1.5m worth of efficiencies predicted following the establishment of the local authority owned company Publica in 2017.

Chief Finance Officer Jenny Poole said: “We are delighted to retain our position as the second lowest charging district authority for council tax.

“It shows that we are a highly efficient authority dedicated to providing first class services to residents while also producing value for money.”

Posted : 29/03/2018 15:48:09

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