Level of Tax Rise is Under Attack

Written by Councillor Sam Crabb - Portfolio Holder for Strategic Resources & Finance and published in for publication in the Shepton Mallet Journal on Fri 8th Feb 2008

Thank you for publishing my remarks following our Executive meeting yesterday. We did indeed make a recommendation to go forward to our full Council meeting on 20 February on the level of Council Tax. That is very much the democratic process. The suggested level is 3.79% - which I am sure will be one of the lowest rises in England or Wales.

Unfortunately, your paper erroneously suggested that the Executive Board meeting would take place next Wednesday 13th February. This is incorrect. It is probably the reason why Cllr Ken Maddock did not turn up yesterday, to what is probably the most important Executive Committee of the year.

I am dismayed that the Leader of the Conservative Group has not been involving himself in the really thorough budget consultation process. We have tried hard to involve the Conservative opposition in the debate, and I still look forward to seeing an alternative budget proposal from them. No doubt it will appear on 20th February at our Full Council meeting - which as usual will be half baked and too late.

Neither Ken nor the Conservative front bench finance spokesman turned up yesterday to the Executive meeting, a pattern we see repeatedly. Indeed only one Conservative turned up at all. This is not good enough for someone receiving public money to carry out an important role. If his only response to the Annual budget is to be quoted in your Journal and those comments you quoted are simply frothy rubbish.

The Liberal Democrat run Council has today been recognised as a 4 star authority that is improving strongly - I very much hope that the Government will have to create a new upper category of 5 stars as a result. This is not spin, it is not hype. This is the result of being carefully measured by our auditors and government inspectors.

As I write this letter I am at an event where Somerset County Council is being considered as the "Most Improved Council" for the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2008. This is a sign of achievement, and we are definitely one of the best authorities in the country.

Despite what Ken says the county council have been consulting with the public and we have had a good and useful response. A full presentation of results of the consultation was given yesterday at the Executive and we are still consulting and listening. Indeed the budget process within SCC is recognised as being one of the best in the country.

Sam Crabb

Portfolio Holder - Strategic Resources and Finance