 | Inflation facing local government is different to that faced by the public as our spending pattern is different. Whilst a 3.89% increase is above the current rate of inflation, we are experiencing significant cost pressures across many of our services, well above the average rate of inflation. For example:
~ Over 55% of our budget is spent on staff related costs, and nationally set pay awards are increasing above the 'Consumer Price Index' rate of inflation.
~ In addition to increasing staff costs and inflation, there have been significant increases in energy prices for street lighting and traffic lights in addition to the increased cost of heating and lighting being felt by all householders.
~ The growth in volume of household waste adds significant costs as we have to pay an annually increasing tax for every tonne of waste disposed of in landfill sites.
~ There are a growing number of older people who require support from the services we provide.
~ The economic downturn has also impacted on us with an increase in demand for many of our services and a reduction in the income we receive.
For more information about Council Tax please visit our website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/counciltax |