Rother squeezes below 'cap' limit.

Members of the overview and scrutiny committee were told savings had been identified in the budget which would have 'no impact on the service the council provides.'

The council had been required to find savings to keep Council Tax within the 'capping' limit of a five per cent rise, following Government's 1.5p-per-head Rother grant increase for the coming year.

Rother director of resources Joy Cooper had labelled the Government's decision as 'incomprehensible.'

The situation became worse when two more growth items were added to the budget; 25,000 for choice based lettings and 20,000 for the local development framework.

But despite fears cutbacks would have to be made, committee members were pleased to find officers had identified savings of 114,800.

These included an underspend in parks and open spaces; increase in the level of car parking income; the decision to manage surplus funds 'inhouse' rather than through agents; savings in corporate resources; and a reduction in the budget for housing needs and stock condition surveys, 'considered sufficient to meet the future costs of these surveys.

Head of finance Robin Vennard told members: "The savings we have identified would have no impact on the levels of service provided to residents. We are recommending a balanced budget."

Joy Cooper said: "This will deliver a Council Tax increase of 4.99 per cent, just below the expected capping limit of five per cent. This is in line with the increases published in the current financial strategy which aims to establish a sounder financial future for the council and better reflect the true cost of services in the level of local taxation."

The committee agreed to support the budget, which will go back to cabinet in February.