EAST HAMPSHIRE District Council (EHDC) has frozen its share of council tax for the year from April, one of only a handful of councils around the country to do so.
The freeze follows two consecutive cuts, bringing council tax down to 2010 levels.
The decision, unanimously agreed at a meeting of the council on Thursday, February 22, forms part of its ongoing ambition to be financially self-sufficient and no longer reliant on either government grants or council tax.
EHDC’s Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Ferris Cowper said: “We are committed to having the capacity to reduce council tax to zero. When that happens we may still charge a nominal tax and use the proceeds to deliver new or better services.
“To achieve this the council has set itself ambitious targets to generate income through means such as selling skills and property investment while also providing our services more efficiently.
“These methods have allowed the council to make two consecutive council tax cuts, the only council in the country to achieve this, backed up by this year’s freeze.”
The council has successfully invested in property, generating a much higher return than cash investments in banks.
And by focusing on commercial properties with high-value tenancies, it can maximise the return on its investments at low risk.
The council is also looking to sells its skills and expertise to other local authorities or to the private sector. Current sales include executive management, marketing and communications, enforcement, planning and economic development services.
Council tax will be frozen for the year from April at £131.11 for a Band D property.