The Parish Council has kept the increase in the Precept (part of the Council Tax) to less than 1%. For most people this will mean an increase of under £1 for the year. Parish Council Chairman, Councillor Peter McGowan, said “I am really pleased that good housekeeping has meant that Ruddington Parish Council can keep our charges down, and below inflation, at a time when many people are struggling”.
In addition, the Government has brought in new arrangements for making Council Tax Benefit local (the Council Tax Reduction Scheme) which have meant that the Parish Council loses over £3,000 for this year alone. Councillor Nick Tegerdine, Chairman of Finance and Policy Committee, said “The Parish Council has done well to keep the increase so low, especially with the loss of income due to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. We are mindful that we could lose up to £22,000 next year because of the Government changes and as a result will be hard pressed to maintain services without an increase in the Parish Council Precept, an increase in charges, or both. However, we are constantly making efficiency savings and examining every aspect of our work in order to save more money.”