Going for Gold - next steps

Paying for services

It's our job to make sure that the way we spend your Council Tax is effective and efficient. We want to spend as much as possible on services that you consider to be high priority.

What we've done so far

slashed administration costs by around £2 million over two years by taking proper control of the financial management of the Council
shifted nearly £1.75 million per year, plus capital funding, into high priority spending areas such as basic services, recycling, support for public transport etc
controlled the level of the Council's reserves to make sure that your money is not being unnecessarily hoarded in the bank but is used to provide services
in 2001/2 we were able to reduce Council Tax by 1%
for 2002/3 we have ensured no increase in real terms, ie an inflation only increase, despite a very poor settlement from central government

We have shown that a combination of clear political priorities in tune with public opinion, and careful financial management, can deliver real value for money.

Our tax policy

Subject to central government tax policies, we pledge that we will raise levels of Council Tax above inflation ONLY if we are sure that money for vital services cannot be found from existing funds. We will reduce tax provided this will not compromise our ability to deliver services.

Published by Keith Edkins on behalf of Cambridge Liberal Democrats © March 2002
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