Kentish Express Ashford & District
Council tax ‘the lowest in Kent’ despite increase
Ashford Borough Council has claimed it has the lowest council tax in Kent despite raising by the maximum amount.
After a tumultuous year for council finances most authorities have resorted to raising council tax.
However, ABC is claiming to still have the lowest council tax in Kent, at £177.50 for a Band D property, a rise of 2.9%.
Councils are allowed to raise council tax up to 2% or £5 annually (whichever is higher).
If an authority wants to raise its tax more it must hold a referendum to confirm it.
Announcing the budget to the council portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Neil Shorter said: “This year we are proposing a £5 rise in the council tax, which will take it up to £177.50. We still remain the lowest council tax in Kent and is one of the main objectives of this administra
tion. We should also celebrate the quality of services we are providing.”
The next cheapest council tax can be found in Dartford at £181 for a Band D property, although the authority is the only Kent council freezing its tax this year.
The highest can be found in Maidstone at £276.30 for a similar property.
Council leader Gerry Clarkson (Con) said: “We’ve got the National Insurance increase coming along, we’ve got fuel prices increasing so it is a time where we need a hearing borough to care about our residents.”
But Cllr Brendan Chilton, leader of the Ashford Labour Party, said: “This year, inflation has hit 5.5% and is forecast to hit 7% later this year. Household items and needs such as food, fuel and energy are soaring and families are struggling to make ends meet.
“The government is raising National Insurance, which will impact most on individuals with the least. The war in Ukraine could push prices even higher.
“All this while the council makes cuts of £827,800. So, residents pay more and receive less. Rather than draining money from people’s pockets we should be ensuring they keep more of the money they earn.
“We believe at a time when people are struggling, and costs are rising people need to keep more of the money they earn so they can spend and stimulate the local economy.”