COUNCIL TAX CAPPING OF HAMBLETON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Early day motion 644, tabled 20 July 2005 by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative). Signed by 4 members.

That this House deeply regrets the decision of the Deputy Prime Minister to cap Hambleton District Council tax for the financial year 2005-06; further regrets that the cost of issuing revised council tax bills will amount to £50,000 of public money which otherwise would have been used to provide services to residents of Hambleton District; notes that, to meet the requirements of the capping order, further services will have to be cut; draws attention to the fact that Hambleton District has suffered severe floods in 2000, 2003 and 2005, the most recent of which has led to a bill of £100,000 clean-up costs; recognises that the Deputy Prime Minister has imposed a number of additional responsibilities on Hambleton District Council incurring increased costs, not least from the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005; further recognises that additional costs have been incurred of £50,000 in refuse collection owing to increases in fuel prices and £30,000 owing to increases in electricity costs since the budget for 2005-06 was set; and urges the Government to recognise and reward prudent spending councils offering excellent services and loyal hardworking staff like Hambleton District Council.

Signatures by party: Conservative 3, DUP 1.