The Conservative team at ELDC have identified £2.4 million in revenue savings in order to deliver a balanced budget. This has been achieved through staff re-structuring and efficiencies whilst ensuring that services that are important to residents are protected.
Councillor Mrs Doreen Stephenson, Leader at ELDC commented, “Despite the challenging economic circumstances and the need to save over £2 million from our budget we felt it was very important that local residents are not subjected to a Council Tax rise this year”
This is in contrast to the local Independent Group at East Lindsey who advocated a 2.5% increase in Council Tax during the Council’s budget debate.
The zero increase in Council Tax means that people in East Lindsey continue to pay the lowest Council Tax rate in Lincolnshire and one of the lowest in the country.
Fulfilling promises set out in their election manifesto, local Conservatives also passed an exciting Capital Programme which commits to investing almost £13 million over the next 5 years across the District. This includes :-
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- £2.5million to develop over 200 more affordable homes in the District.
- £1.5 million for a grant scheme to support the rural economy
- £1m towards a countywide project to improve broadband internet coverage
- £1m earmarked for flood prevention schemes in Louth & Horncastle
- Almost £1m on Disability Facility Grants to help with home adaptions
- £500k to improve the District’s public toilets.
- £350k to support ‘East Lindsey Live’ – a major festival of arts & culture throughout 2012 to boost tourism & the local economy.
Councillor Mrs Stephenson stated, “We need to support the local economy, work with existing businesses, raise the profile of our District and help to create new jobs in the community. Our Capital investment programme is geared to achieve these objectives.”
Councillor John Upsall, ELDC Portfolio Holder for Finance, said “This was an important budget for the Council and through rigorous financial management and planning we have successfully delivered a balanced budget”.