Budget proposals approved by full council
Council tax for 2019/20 has been frozen after Test Valley Borough Council approved the budget recommendation at a full council meeting yesterday.
Following the council’s performance in its Project Enterprise (PE) initiative, councillors approved the freeze which means the borough authority’s tax remains one of the lowest across the country.
A number of properties through PE have generated additional revenue income which is forecast to return more than £2 million in 2019/20. Work began in spring to forecast the budget requirement for the next year, with the council able to also close a budget gap of almost £1 million.
The budget proposals were put forward following a cabinet meeting on February 13.
Finance portfolio holder, councillor Peter Giddings, said: “This is a budget that enables us to grow our potential, continues to invest in Test Valley and prepares us well for the future.
“Our PE initiative has helped us to maintain a fantastic level of services despite reductions in income from central government.”
“I genuinely believe that our consistent and prudent approach to managing the council’s finances has enabled us to avoid any cuts to valuable services. I hope this budget paves the way for a fairer, more self-sufficient and resilient future that can help Test Valley thrive.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “Our sound financial management means that our tax remains one of the lowest in the country, £43 lower than the average in the rest of England in 2018/19.
“Our priorities remain to continue to rejuvenate our town centres and to continue to invest time and resources into preventing and relieving homelessness.
“With improvements to Romsey Rapids and the brand new Andover Leisure Centre, I hope residents will continue to see the benefits of our sound financial planning.”