East Hampshire District Council plans to cut its share of council tax bill

EAST Hampshire District Council is set to cut its share of residents council tax bill for the coming year.

If approved, the 2.6 per cent reduction would be the council’s second consecutive one after it lowered council tax by two per cent last year.

The move would leave £170,000 in the pockets of residents and is part of the council’s strategy to become financially independent.

Council leader Councillor Ferris Cowper said: “We are proposing the reduction at a time when nearly all local authorities are increasing their charge by the maximum amount allowed by government.

“East Hampshire District Council has stated its ambition to bring council tax down to zero and is committed to making itself free from reliance on government money.

"This latest cut, and the promise to make further tax cuts next year, backs up this commitment with positive action.

“We have shown it is possible for councils to make their own money, without increasing the tax burden on their residents and without cutting services.”

The council has been able to make the cut due to the success of its business strategies and its property investments.

Council departments have also been marketing their services to other authorities and local organisations to bring in extra income.

EHDC’s Planning Services, Community Team, Communications, Programmes, Neighbourhood Planning and the regeneration team, RegenCo, are expected to make a collective profit approaching £1m.

The council has also bought six high-quality commercial properties since 2013 totaling £12.5m, the latest being the Iceland store on Alton High Street.

These properties generate approaching £850,000 in rent every year, around £700,000 more than could be gained through interest on cash deposits.

The proposed cut is set to be put forward for approval on February 23.

If accepted it will make EHDC’s share of Council Tax for a Band D property £131.11, down from £134.55.

The council has also announced its commitment to a third cut for 2018/2019 which will bring its share of council tax down to the lowest level since 2006/2007.