COUNCIL tax payers in East Hampshire have been given a boost following an “historic” meeting in Petersfield.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is eyeing up a financial hat-trick as a motion to cut its share of Council Tax by 2.6 per cent was approved in Penns Place last night (Thursday).

It’s the second year running that EHDC has approved a cut, with the council eager to making a third in 2018/19 to bring its share of the bill down to its lowest level since 2006/07.

The decision – which saves district ratepayers £170,000 – is part of a strategy for the council to become financially independent that has included recent investments in property.

“This is an historic evening,” said EHDC Leader, Cllr Ferris Cowper.

“We are bucking the national trend and cutting our council tax, while all the other local authorities I know of across England and Wales are increasing theirs and often by the maximum amount allowed by central government.

“This council has the ability to bring Council Tax down to zero. I hope this latest consecutive cut shows you that we’re pursuing this strategy for the benefit of our residents and businesses.”

The cut makes EHDC’s share of Council Tax for a Band D property £131.11, down from £134.55.

But the final bill that residents will receive also comprises of sums levied by Hampshire County Council (HCC), Hampshire Police and the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS).

Residents expecting a lower bill in May could be disappointed as HCC, by far the biggest claimant, has increased its share of the bill by 4.99 per cent, while the police and HFRS have also approved increases of 3.12 per cent and 1.98 per cent, respectively.

The final bill will vary across the district as parish councils also make a claim, with some like Clanfield and Rowlands Castle increasing theirs by nearly 50 per cent.

More in next week’s Post.