2015/16 Your Council Services

Transcription

1 Your Guide 2015/16 Your Council Services Council Tax Guide Where the money goes / benefits / help available

2 About your Council Tax About your Council Tax How is my dwelling valued? Each dwelling is put in a valuation b by the Valuation Office Agency, based on its value as at April 1, This b determines the amount of council tax you will have to pay. The bs are: B A up to 40,000 B B 40,001 to 52,000 B C 52,001 to 68,000 B D 68,001 to 88,000 B E 88,001 to 120,000 B F 120,001 to 160,000 B G 160,001 to 320,000 B H 320,001 or greater I don t think my bing is correct; what shall I do? You can appeal to the Valuation Office Agency under certain circumstances, but your current bill remains payable until any appeal is settled. To find out more, contact the Valuation Office Agency at Charlotte Corkish MRICS CMgr MCMI Listing Officer, Council Tax West, Valuation Office Agency, Overline House, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, SO15 1GW Tel: Website: Discounts Do you have a disability? If you or someone who lives with you are disabled have special facilities, an extra bathroom or kitchen or additional space in your home because your disability means you need them, you may be eligible for a discount. If you qualify, your tax bill will be reduced by one property b. So if you are in a b D property your bill will be reduced to that of a b C property instead. If your home is a b A property, we will reduce your bill by one ninth of the b D charge. Do you live alone? If you are the only person aged 18 or over living in your home, you can claim a 25% Single Occupier discount. The property has to be your main, or only, place where you live. Please note that if you have a spouse or a partner living elsewhere, you will be asked to provide details

3 Discounts, reductions premiums Usually, if two or more people aged 18 or over live in your property, you will need to pay the full amount of council tax. However, certain groups of people are not counted we disregard them. If one or more of these people live in your home, you may be able to claim a discount: Students, student nurses foreign language assistants Apprentices youth trainees Spouses of students where they are prevented (by immigration rules) from taking paid work or from claiming benefit People for whom Child Benefit is payable School leavers under 20 years old People who have a severe mental impairment Certain care workers, carers certain patients who are in care People in detention Members of religious communities Residents of hostels or night shelters Foreign service personnel, members of international headquarters/defence organisations diplomats No discount is applied to most second homes. Second homes which are boats, caravans or job-related properties may receive a 50% discount. Are there discounts for empty properties? If your property is unoccupied not furnished the following may apply: No council tax is payable for 3 months after the property becomes empty unoccupied (or for the first 12 months if it needs major repairs or structural alteration.) An inspection may be required. After this discount has ended, these properties will receive no discount, so 100% of the full council tax charge will be payable. Reduction for annexes From 1 April 2014 an annexe may be entitled to a 50% reduction in the amount of council tax payable, where it is occupied by a relative of the person liable to pay council tax on the main dwelling. There may also be a 50% reduction where the annexe is unoccupied but being used as part of the main dwelling. About your Council Tax Having financial problems due to unusual circumstances? In some cases, the council can consider applications for a discount if you are suffering financially from a major event or a series of unusual circumstances that do not fall within the normal discounts or exemptions. Are there discounts for second homes? For council tax purposes, a second home is a furnished property but is not anyone s only or main home. Long term empty dwelling Dwellings that are empty for more than 2 years will in addition be charged a premium of 50%. Therefore the council tax will be 150% of the normal charge. Certain exceptions apply. 3

4 About your Council Tax Exemptions Do I have to pay council tax on my property? Some properties are exempt from council tax. You may not have to pay if: 1) Your property is not occupied because: It is owned by a charity It was left unoccupied by a student It has been repossessed It is being held by a bankrupt s trustee It is a caravan pitch or boat mooring The occupant is now in prison The occupant is now in a care home or hostel The occupant has left to receive or provide care The former occupant has died Occupation is prohibited by law Occupation is reserved for a minister of religion Planning law prevents an annexe being let 2) Your property is only occupied by: Students or is a student hall of residence Visiting Armed Forces personnel or used for Armed Forces accommodation People aged under 18 People with a severe mental impairment A diplomat dependents A dependent relative in an annexe Note: Some exemptions are time-limited exceptions may apply. This list is a guide only is not intended to represent a definitive legal position. How do I find out more? Contact the Revenues Team at your council for more information an application form. If I m not happy about a decision, how do I appeal? You can appeal to the council against any decision that makes you liable to pay council tax or against any decision not to allow a disability reduction, discount or exemption. You should appeal by writing to the council to explain why you believe the decision is wrong. The council will then review the decision write to you. If you are still unhappy with the council s decision you should write to: Valuation Tribunal, 2nd Floor, 120 Leman Street, London E1 8EU. What if I am already exempt but my circumstances change? If your bill says you are exempt or paying reduced council tax your circumstances change you must tell the council within 21 days. If you do not, you could face a 70 penalty. I think I may struggle to pay my bill how can you help me? There is help available many flexible ways in which you can pay your bill. Contact the council to discuss a payment plan. If you have problems paying other bills then contact the organisations below, explain your problem they will work out a way in which to help you. Age UK Community Legal Service Citizens Advice Bureau

5 How to have your Council Tax liability reduced if you are on a low income Council Tax Reduction South Somerset District Council Local Scheme The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTR) replaced the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme is effective from 1 April There are no major changes to the scheme from April 2015 Who can claim? Council Tax Reduction is help for anyone on a low income who has a liability to pay Council Tax. You can claim if you are in full-time or part-time work, or get Social Security Benefits, Tax Credits or Pension Credits. Each local council works out Council Tax Reduction applications in line with the rules of their local scheme for working age people, or in line with the Prescribed Regulations for pension age residents. If you have to pay Council Tax you are on a low income, you could get a Council Tax Reduction under our local scheme. You cannot get a council tax reduction if you: Have more than 16,000 in capital or savings (unless you are a pensioner getting Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) Are a full-time student unless you are either under 21 not in higher education you started your course before you became 19; or you are a pensioner, lone parent, disabled, or getting Income Support, Income- Based Jobseekers Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related) or you have a partner who is not a student. If you have come to the United Kingdom in the last 2 years, or if you are an asylum seeker, it may affect your claim. How do I apply? Through our website using our online form By completing a paper application form available from all of our offices By downloading printing the application form to complete Paper application forms can be returned to one of our Area Offices or posted to the address on the front of the form. (If you have not had a receipt for your Application Form within 7 days, please call us on to ensure we have received it). Second Adult Rebate If you are over state pension credit age do not qualify for benefit in your own right, you could get a Second Adult Rebate. If the person who shares your home is: Aged 18 or over Not a boarder or sub-tenant Not your spouse or partner Not paying Council Tax themselves On a low income You may be able to get a rebate of up to 25% of what you have to pay. There is no availability to Second Adult Rebate in the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age people Our Council Tax Reduction Scheme Working age people cannot receive 100% Council Tax Reduction. The maximum reduction any working age applicant can receive under our scheme is 85% All maintenance paid in respect of dependent children is fully taken into account as income in the calculation of CTR All maintenance paid in respect of adults is fully taken into account as income in the calculation of CTR About your Council Tax 5

6 About your Council Tax Second Adult Rebate has been ended for those of working age, with a liability to pay Council Tax Non-dependant charges have been introduced for certain groups who had no charge under the previous Council Tax Benefit scheme, previous charges have been increased Changes to our scheme from April 2015 The only change to our scheme from April 2014 is that the amount of the Nondependant Deductions will increase by the same percentage as the Council Tax is increased. The income bs to which those Non-dependant Deductions apply will increase in line with the Government s Prescribed Scheme Changes in your circumstances If you get a Council Tax Reduction your circumstances change, you must tell us immediately, either: Online at sing--benefits/benefits/onlineforms/change-of-circumstances/ us to [email protected] (ask for Benefit Team) we will be able to tell you what information we need to reassess your application or write to us at the address on the front of your council tax bill. What can I do if my circumstances are exceptional I cannot afford to pay my Council Tax Bill? If you are working age, receive a Council Tax Reduction, but still cannot afford the Council Tax you are left to pay, you could apply for extra help through our Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Hardship Scheme. You will need to complete a separate application for this which is available as above, by phone, or by writing to us. We will consider your request advise you whether we consider your circumstances are such that we can award you extra help through the Discretionary Hardship Scheme. People over state pension credit age are unable to get extra help through these discretionary payments as they form part of our local scheme for working age people. No Ifs No Buts Everyone who commits benefit fraud is a benefit thief. If you think someone is committing fraud by claiming a reduction to which they are not entitled, it is important you let us know about it. You can complete a referral online at efitfraud, call us on or phone the National Fraud Hotline on You do not have to give your name, just tell us as much information as you can about the person, why you think they are committing benefit fraud. Fraud is a crime against everyone in the community we will consider prosecuting all cases where we have enough evidence. Please note the new Council Tax Reduction scheme only applies to working age applicants. Customers who have reached the State Pension Credit age fall under the Prescribed Scheme, unless they have a partner of working age who is claiming Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance(Income Based) or Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related)

7 Business Rates Business rates, or non-domestic rates as they are sometimes called, are the business equivalent to council tax. How much business rates will I need to pay? The Valuation Office decide the rateable value of your business, this is used to calculate the business rates you pay. What can I do if I don t agree with the rateable value of my business? You can appeal the rateable value by contacting or fill in an appeal form at which also provides further information. Do I pay less if my business property is empty? Yes, if your property has been emptied of all goods then you may not have to pay any rates for up to three months, or even up to six months for some industrial units. After that time you will need to pay the full rates whether it is empty or not. If you own one of the following properties then you may not need to pay any rates for the time that it is empty: A rateable value of less than 2,600 A listed building The owner is not allowed by law to have it occupied If you are the owner of a property because you are the personal representative of someone who has died or are acting as liquidator or administrator The owner is bankrupt or subject to a winding-up order The owner is a charity or community amateur sports club subject to certain criteria Do I have to pay the full rates even if my property is partially occupied? No, there are some cases where ratepayers may not have to pay rates for a short time if the property is partially occupied. To find out if you qualify contact your council. About your Business Rates 7

8 About your Business Rates Reducing your business rates Can I get any rate relief if I run a small business? Yes, provided you only occupy one business premises in Engl the rateable value of your business is less than 18,000. However, the Government has introduced additional support to small businesses. For those businesses that take on an additional property which would normally have meant the loss of small business rate relief, the Government has confirmed that they will be allowed to keep that relief for a period of 12 months. I run a registered charity, do I have to pay business rates? You can qualify for 80% rate relief providing the property is only used for charitable purposes. Some charities may not need to pay any rates at all. I run a not-for-profit organisation, can I claim rate relief? Some organisations may not need to pay any rates at all, while others might be able to claim rate relief if they are established or conducted not for profit. Can I claim rate relief if I run a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)? An 80% reduction is offered to clubs registered as a CASC where the property is only used for the benefit of that club. For more details about CASC visit Do I get any rate relief for running my business in a rural area? You may be able to claim a 50% reduction if you run the only post office, general store or food shop with a rateable value under 8,500 or only pub or petrol station with a value under 12,500 providing they are within a designated rural settlement. In some cases you don t have to pay any rates if your rateable value is under 16,500. My business isn t making much money I m struggling to pay my rates, can I get help? Yes, in special cases the council can allow hardship relief of up to 100%. To qualify you have to prove to the council that your business would continue to suffer hardship if this relief were not granted. I own holiday accommodation, do I still have to pay business rates? Yes, if the property is available for let 140 days a year or more. If it becomes someone s main home, even for a short time, then council tax will become payable for it. What do I pay if my property is partly used as a business partly used as a home? Two separate bills are issued, one covering the business use which will have a rateable value the other residential part which will have its own council tax bing. What other reliefs can I get? Some occupied retail businesses with a rateable value below 50,000 can get a discount of up to 1,000 for one year from 1 April 2014 up to 1500 for one year from 1 April Re-occupied retail premises that have been empty for a year or more can get 50% relief for 18 months from 1 April Empty new builds completed after 1 October 2013 can get full rate relief for up to 18 months. If you think you are entitled to any of the reliefs mentioned, or would like more information, please contact us

9 Budget Strategy 2015/16 -The Financial Strategy The medium term financial plan outlines the financial needs requirements over the next five years including the delivery of the Corporate Plan. The strategy is to deliver a balanced budget (meaning that reserves are not used to meet on-going expenditure commitments) each year over the term of the plan whilst keeping any tax rises in line with inflation. The Council has to have regard to the level of government grant received. In 2015/16, government grants have reduced by 28.1%. The Council is using 170,900 of New Homes Bonus to reduce the impact of Council Tax on South Somerset residents by 1.99%. The Council will still receive a 1% Council Tax Freeze Grant. 2015/16 Budget The Council s net revenue budget will amount to 17,390 million, a decrease of million (or 2.4%) of the 2014/15 figure. The Council s share of the total Council Tax (for a B D property) will be ; is 9.8% of your total tax bill. Capital Spending The Council s capital strategy assumes that the capital programme will be financed through additional interest earned over budget as well as releasing new receipts to fund capital schemes. This strategy enables SSDC to be more proactive in dealing with the difficulties unpredictability of funding that is likely to occur over the next few years. We plan to spend million on capital projects in 2015/16 in the following areas of activity: 000 Financial & Corporate Services 2,980 Economy 915 Communities 675 Environment 1,451 Health & Wellbeing 291 6,312 Budget Strategy 2015/ / /16 Gross Net Gross Net Service Groups Expend. Income Expend. Expend. Income Expend Chief Executive Strategic Management Financial & Corporate Services 49,114-46,485 2,629 51,329-48,371 2,958 Legal & Corporate Services 2, ,604 2, ,462 Strategic Director - Place & Performance Place & Performance Economy 2,885-1,501 1,384 3,007-1,692 1,315 Communities 1, ,337 1, ,334 Strategic Director - Operations & Customer Focus Operation & Customer Focus Environment 13,802-6,839 6,963 13,919-7,072 6,846 Health & Well-being 4,453-2,221 2,232 4,854-2,620 2,233 Total Services Expenditure 75,279-57,738 17,541 77,901-60,512 17,390 Transfers from reserves Government grant -5,772-5,507 Business Rates Retention -3,266-3,328 Total District Precept 8,462 8,443 Town / Parish council precepts 4,036 4,191 Balance Funded by Council Tax 12,498 12,

10 Town & Parish Council Precepts Over 140,000 Chard Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Amenities General 157,382-11, , ,716-12, ,388 Street Cleaning 61,554-55,705 5,849 71,552-55,000 16,552 Burial 26,689-27, ,465-20,711 5,754 Allotments 3,730-4, ,170-4, Market 2,180-8,500-6,320 1,890-6,000-4,110 Guildhall 284,115-38, , ,258-43, ,858 Tourist Information 23,268-9,530 13,738 18,196-9,740 8,456 Support & Other Services 174,340-7, , ,945-6, ,295 Grants 20,000-20,000 20,500 20,500 Contribution to/from Balances , , , , , , , ,752 Government Support Grant -67,650-55,930 Precept 478, ,822 Crewkerne Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Town Hall 243,445-28, , ,224-30, ,119 Victoria Hall 27,050-5,972 21,078 15,300-6,495 8,805 Grounds Maintenance 43,440-5,289 38,151 48,550-5,289 43,261 War Memorial Grounds 5,200-3,200 2,000 3,500-3, Joint Burial Committee 32, ,220 37,440 37,440 Aqua Centre 10,612-1,950 8,662 12,612-2,050 10,562 The George Reynolds Centre 1,000-5,420-4,420 17,000-22,670-5,670 Grants 7, ,650 7,658 7,658 Legal/Admin Costs Town Green ,804 0 Transferred Services from SCC/SSDC 10,250-7,000 3,250 13,850-7,000 6, ,867-57, , ,134-76, ,475 Government Support Grant -32,895-26,370 Precept 279, ,105 Ilminster Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Support Services 197,608-3, , ,431-1, ,046 Grounds & Maintenance 54,564-6,116 48,448 53,819-8,952 44,867 Public Toilets 4, ,462 5,220 5,220 Cemetery 9,019-12,490-3,471 9,424-11,500-2,076 Market House 1, ,954 1,936 1,936 Grants 2, ,900 3,900 3,900 Churchyard 4, ,000-0 Market 4,000-4, ,500-4, ,507-26, , ,880-26, ,543 Government Support Grant -24,275-20,320 Precept 227, ,223 Martock Parish Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Support Services 139, , ,750-2, ,750 Recreation 66,750-12,000 54,750 60,500-7,900 52,600 Pavilion 61,000-54,500 6,500 6,500-2,000 4,500 Parish Hall 14,500-14, ,600-9,500 10,100 Market House 2, ,900 2, ,750 Burial Ground 25,000-4,000 21,000 30,000-5,000 25,000 Finance 8,600-8,600 26, ,323 Youth Club 33,000-33,000 34,395-3,000 31,395 Other Services 80,494-3,000 77, ,650-9, ,400 Town Improvements 76,000-29,365 46,635 49,100-5,000 44,100 Contribution to/from Balances , , , , , ,843-43, ,808 Government Support Grant -22,570-20,815 Precept 279, ,

11 Somerton Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Administration 114,750-10, , ,010-2,000 99,010 Access & Highways 54,220-54,220 79,050-32,750 46,300 L & Property 160,075-25, , ,559-42, ,559 Projects Grants 66,500-66,500 51,500-51,500 Youth 14,100-14,100 17,050 17,050 Projects & Communication , ,800 Contribution to/from balances ,000-14, ,645-35, , ,769-77, ,135 Government Support Grant -23,905-23,395 Precept 295, ,740 Wincanton Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Grounds Maintenance 55, ,500 62, ,054 Burial Grounds 6,500-3,000 3,500 1,600-5,500-3,900 Administration 66,550-8,100 58,450 70,796-5,600 65,196 Sports Facilities 12,000-12,000 14,000-14,000 Town Hall 5,000-5,000 5,000-5,000 Grants 3,500-3,500 33,600-33,600 New Projects/Equipment 21,000-21,000 3,000-3,000 Youth Work 7,000-7,000 2,000-2,000 David Sharp Centre 5,000-5, ,000-5,000 2,000 Toilets 1,000-1,000 2,000-2,000 Car park / L Provision 24,300-24,300 24,300-24,300 Neighbourhood Plan ,000-2,000 Contribution to/from balances , , ,950-16, , ,250-17, ,250 Government Support Grant -17,160-15,350 Precept 163, ,900 Yeovil Town Council 2014/ /16 Expend. Income Net Cost Expend. Income Net Cost Planning & Licensing 27,471-22,000 5,471 28,028-22,400 5,628 Grounds & General Maintenance 259,890-16, , ,446-16, ,452 Buildings & Civic Matters 135,074-22, , ,664-24, ,174 Promotions & Activities 80,555-3,600 76,955 73,647-2,600 71,047 Joint Burial (Net) 99,624-99,624 80,420-80,420 Grants 20,000-20,000 20,000-20,000 Support Services 173, , , ,990 Other Services 211,102-7, , ,857-5, ,157 1,007,236-71, ,297 1,001,052-72, ,868 Government Support Grant -119,415-94,180 Precept 815, ,688 Town & Parish Council Precepts Over 140,000 Council Tax Reduction Scheme Impact to Parishes The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (explained on page 5) has had an impact on the way the taxbase adjusted b D Equivalents is calculated. In order to reduce the impact of the reduction tax base, Central Government has paid South Somerset District Council a Council Tax Reduction Grant which will be passported to Towns Parishes. 11

12 Parish Precepts Precept Total number Adjusted b Precept BAND D 14/15 Parish Name of properties D equivalents 15/16 charge :p 18,103 Abbas Templecombe , Alford( Cary Moor) ,380 Aller , ,965 Ansford , ,367 Ash , ,400 Ashill , ,394 Babcary , ,880 Barrington , ,310 Barton St. David , ,815 Barwick , ,150 Beercrocombe , Bratton Seymour ,535 Brewham , ,770 Broadway , ,575 Bruton 1, , ,480 Brympton 3,134 2, , ,980 Buckl St. Mary , ,320 Castle Cary 1, , ,000 Chaffcombe , ,102 Chard Town 6,270 4, , ,785 Charlton Horethorne , ,435 Charltons , ,280 Charlton Musgrove , Chillington ,920 Chilthorne Domer , Chilton Cantelo ,750 Chiselborough , Closworth ,770 Combe St. Nicholas , ,340 Compton Dundon , ,740 Compton Pauncefoot , ,500 Corton Denham , ,567 Crewkerne Town 3,556 2, , Cricket St. Thomas ,210 Cucklington , Cudworth ,550 Curry Mallet , ,265 Curry Rivel 1, , Dinnington ,410 Donyatt , ,450 Dowlish Wake , ,985 Drayton , ,525 East Chinnock , ,870 East Coker , ,725 Fivehead , ,850 Hambridge & Westport , ,120 Hardington Meville , ,460 Haselbury Plucknett , ,000 Henstridge , ,500 High Ham , ,370 Hinton St. George , ,120 Holton (North Vale) , ,265 Horsington , ,115 Horton , ,000 Huish Episcopi 1, , ,270 Ilchester 1, , ,806 Ilminster Town 2,777 1, , ,000 Ilton , ,570 Isle Abbotts , Isle Brewers ,045 Keinton Meville , ,235 Kingsbury Episcopi , ,000 Kingsdon , Kingstone Kingweston

13 Precept Total number Adjusted b Precept BAND D 14/15 Parish Name of properties D equivalents 15/16 charge :p 1,200 Knowle St. Giles , ,906 Langport , Limington ,690 Long Load , ,694 Long Sutton , ,025 Lopen , ,102 Lovington (Cary Moor) , Maperton (North Vale) ,855 Marston Magna , ,557 Martock 2,199 1, , ,920 Merriott , ,000 Milborne Port 1,379 1, , ,691 Misterton , ,635 Montacute , Muchelney ,900 Mudford , North Barrow (Cary Moor) ,361 North Cadbury , ,438 North Cheriton (North Vale) , ,140 North Perrott , ,130 Norton sub Hamdon , ,323 Odcombe , ,758 Pen Selwood , ,100 Pitcombe , ,870 Pitney , Puckington ,045 Queen Camel , ,000 Rimpton , ,820 Seavington St. Mary , ,180 Seavington St. Michael , ,320 Shepton Beauchamp , ,285 Shepton Montague , ,740 Somerton 2,242 1, , South Barrow (Cary Moor) ,865 South Cadbury Sutton Montis , ,200 South Petherton 1,695 1, , ,898 Sparkford , ,550 Stocklinch , ,195 Stoke sub Hamdon , ,873 Stoke Trister , ,655 Tatworth Forton 1, , ,359 Tintinhull , Wambrook ,700 Wayford , ,495 West Camel , ,930 West Chinnock , ,440 West Coker , ,475 West Crewkerne , Whitelackington Whitestaunton ,090 Wincanton Town 2,863 1, , ,716 Winsham , ,264 Yarlington (North Cadbury) , ,882 Yeovil Town 14,041 8, , ,551 Yeovil Without 3,748 2, , ,100 Yeovilton , ,796,068 Total Precepts 75,900 57, ,191,067 Parish Precepts 5,960 Castle Cary (All Saints Churchyard) 1, , ,600 Henstridge (St Nicholas Churchyard) , ,149 Ilchester (St Mary Major Churchyard) 1, , Wayford (St Michaels Churchyard) ,539 Total Special Levies 3,154 2, ,

14 Somerset County Council From roads streetlights to looking after vulnerable children adults, Somerset County Council touches everyone at some stage in their everyday lives. Your County Council provides services to thouss of people day in, day out. And it is the taxpayer who provides much of our funding, either from the Government or from Council Tax business rates. Whether it s looking after children in care, fixing potholes or giving carers a well-earned break, Somerset County Council is there for you. We will spend nearly 315m on our services over the next year, we will invest a further 57m on major projects like new schools roads. Like all councils across the country we face reduced funding from government, at the same time increasing dems for our services as the population grows. This is challenging with the increasing number of older vulnerable people who our need care support. This means increased dems on our budget, which we have to make sure balances every year. The Council is committed to providing core services to help the most vulnerable people in society, to provide a safety net for those residents who really need our help. The next few pages give you more information about how the County Council s part of your Council Tax is spent. For further information on our services Read our local, quarterly newspaper Your Somerset that is delivered to your door for the latest news, events community projects that the County Council partners are involved in. Visit our website at for information on our services, to get involved in consultations, apply for services, make online payments report problems. 14

15 What What we we do do What we do Somerset Somerset County Council has a total total budget budget of 706m 699m of 699m to spend to spend in in 2015/16, in 2015/16, compared 2014/15, compared to compared 706m to in to 706m 2014/15 748m in 2013/ /15 748m - 42m in 2013/ m less. This That s in money 2013/14. nearly is 50m That s nearly less What spent 50m than on two these less we years services: than do ago. two This years money ago. is spent This money these is services: spent on these services: Somerset County Council has a total budget of 706m to spend in 2014/15, compared to 748m in 2013/14-42m less. This money is spent on these services: Somerset County Council gets funding from three main sources. Government funding which totals 376m includes specific funding for schools; locally raised Council Tax Business Rates which this year will total 209m; income from fees charges 2 which comes to 110m

16 The movement in this year s budget is due to: The movement in this year s budget is due to: Reduction in funding from central government Population growth Reduction in funding from central government Financing expenditure, for example, building roads Population New responsibility growth for Public Health initiatives Financing spending, for example, building roads Our Responsibility net budget in 2015/14 for Public is 314.7m Health compared initiatives to 326.2m in 2014/15. Inflation dem for our services makes that gap bigger means that Our year net on budget year movement in 2015/14 is much is 314.7m greater than compared 11.5m. to 326.2m in 2014/15. Inflation dem for our services makes that gap bigger means For further that year information on year movement on our accounts is much greater than 11.5m. Read information on our budget at Phone [email protected] Write Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY 16 3

17 What we do for you What we do for you Somerset Somerset is is a a county county that that covers covers more more than than 1,300 1,300 square square miles miles is is home home to to more more than than 500, ,000 people people who who will, will, in in some some way way or another, or another, use Somerset use Somerset County County Council Council services services almost almost every day. every day. We We help help protect protect children children young young people, people, look look after after children children in in care, care, help help schools schools improve. improve. We We support support elderly elderly vulnerable vulnerable adults. adults. Helping Helping people people support support themselves themselves at at home, home, organising organising care care home home placements placements making making sure people sure people are kept are safe. kept safe. We We maintain maintain more more than than 4,000 4,000 miles miles of of roads. roads. Fixing Fixing potholes, potholes, looking looking after street after street lights lights traffic signals, traffic signals, organising organising school transport school transport managing residential managing parking. residential parking. We We work work hard hard to to attract attract investment investment jobs jobs to to the the county. county. Driving Driving improvements in in things things like like broadb broadb infrastructure. infrastructure. We We also also have have an an extensive extensive network network of of libraries, libraries, we we register register births, births, deaths, marriages deaths, marriages civil partnerships, civil partnerships, give advice give on advice major planning on major planning applications, help help manage manage waste waste recycling. recycling. For For all all enquiries, visit or or phone

18 YOUR P LICING POUNDS Spending Plans 2014/ /16 Gross expenditure 290m 287m Where does the money come from 2014/ /16 CHANGES IN SPENDING 2015/16 273m Total net budget 2014/15 276m Total net budget

19 PATH HOW WE SPEND THE BUDGET 2015/16 BUDGET 2015/16 YOUR AREA NOW HAS ITS OWN POLICE AND CRIME PLAN WE ALL WANT TO LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT IS STRONG AND SAFE. WAY Police Crime Plan SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE Police Crime Plan SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE Police Crime Plan SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE Police Crime Plan SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE Police Crime Plan SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE

20 Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority How your council tax is spent by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority 2015/16 Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority is responsible for the governance arrangements for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Spending Plans 2014/ /16 m m Gross expenditure Income from specific grants, fees charges (3.1) (3.0) Council tax freeze grant (1.1) (1.1) Central Government funding (26.2) (24.2) Business Rates Retention Local Authority (5.2) (5.2) Council Tax requirement Changes in spending In 2015/16 the spending requirement for the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority will be 0.2m less than in 2014/15. These changes are a result of the following: Classification of Spend Changes to Expenditure Changes to Income ( millions) ( millions) Contractual pay price increases Invest to save incentives & services/ essential spending pressures (0.9) Budget savings (2.286) - One off provisions included in 2014/15 budget (2.648) - Total changes (1.084) (0.9) The Authority requires a council tax level of for a B D household. This represents an increase of 1.99% compared to the 2014/15 figure. Changes to the Fire Service The Government s grant funding to the Authority has reduced by 2.9 million for 2015/16, which means a total reduction of 8.7 million since 2012/13. Devon & Somerset has suffered the third worst settlement of all the Fire Authorities in the country. For more information on how the Authority intends to deliver significant reductions in its spending, visit TOTAL GROSS BUDGET 2013/ m TOTAL GROSS BUDGET 2014/ m 20