Council Sets Recession-Beating Budget

The council has bucked the national trend by freezing council tax without the need for compulsory redundancies or service cuts despite a 14.5 per cent reduction in Government grants. Support for charities and voluntary organisations will also be maintained.

The council's 2011/12 budget, announced at a special policy and finance committee meeting, means Ribble Valley Borough Council's share of the council tax on a Band D property will remain at £140.69, the lowest in Lancashire.

Ribble Valley Borough Council Leader Michael Ranson said: "Like all other local authorities, Ribble Valley Borough Council has seen a large reduction in financial support from the Government, but this reduction was inevitable and we have been preparing for it for some time.

"We have therefore been able to recommend a budget to full council that proposes a council tax freeze, with no reductions in services to residents and no compulsory redundancies, while maintaining our support for charitable and voluntary organisations.

"This is down to strong financial discipline, prudent management and a committed and dedicated workforce.

"The council has never relied on Government handouts to fund services and we know times ahead will be tough, but this budget continues the work started earlier this year to transform the way the council delivers services to Ribble Valley residents."

Council tax bills include precepts from Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and parishes. Full details will be available at www.ribblevalley.gov.uk after March 8.