by Alex Claridge

aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

AFTER months of planning and an evening of intense debate, Canterbury City Council has formally passed its budget for the coming financial year.
The Tory-controlled authority will have £19,816,700 in its coffers to run the district for 2011/12 while its council tax precept for an average band D property remains at its present level of £178.65.
But with an election in less than three months, the council’s two main were parties were eager to score political points from one another.

Council leader John Gilbey and his Conservatives highlighted the sound financial management they say they have exhibited since they took control of the council in the summer of 2005 and since the country was plunged into economic chaos when the recession erupted.
Cllr Gilbey told a meeting of the full council at the Guildhall last Thursday night: “By managing our costs, working with others, shepherding our reserves and being ahead of the game, we have come through the turbulent three years since the recession.
“Any other course would have led to disaster.
“When reality arrived for 2011/12, we were able to accommodate and adjust as a direct result of our foresight.
“Despite the financial difficulties and front end loading of the cuts, this council is in great shape and able to face the future with confidence.”

The Lib Dem group, meanwhile, argued that many of the savings being made by the administration will affect services cherished by residents.
Its leader Alex Perkins put forward 11 amendments to the budget which included finding money to reinstate the council’s out of hours nuisance service and raising the budget for graffiti removal by 50 per cent while also saving money on promoting the Open Golf in July and cutting the budget of the Lord Mayor by 10 per cent.
“These amendments seek to support local people and aim to increase support for local communities,” Cllr Perkins said.
“They will cost the taxpayers no more money, but will preserve vital services – and they are what local residents want from this budget.”
John Wratten, the leader of the two-person Labour group on the council, added: “This budget lacks compassion, but it’s not a surprise that it’s a zero per cent rise in council tax just before an election.”

See Thursday's Gazette for full report and reaction.