Prime Minister praises borough for council tax cut

The Prime Minister has praised the Royal Borough after it announced £6.1m is to be shaved from its budget and that council tax bills will drop for the fifth year running.

The reduction means the rate for a Band D property will fall by £19.38 to £926.40 from the start of the new financial year, £110 lower than in 2009/10.

Tuesday’s (Jan 21) announcement at Maidenhead Town Hall will save the public £1.3m.

David Cameron tweeted:

Well done to @RBWM - a Conservative council cutting council tax for the fifth year in a row, so people keep more of their hard-earned money.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 21, 2014

MP for Windsor, Adam Afriyie also tweeted his support for the decision earlier today:

Good news for residents! Council tax cut by 2% this year - @RBWM 5th cut in a row. Thanks to @davidburbage & our hardworking councillors.

— Adam Afriyie (@AdamAfriyie) January 22, 2014

Council leader David Burbage said the borough was 'significantly cheaper' than other authorities.

"We’re obviously very pleased to give residents more money to spend in the local economy," he added.

The borough also announced it plans to push through 'efficiencies' of about £6.1m.

It said they include saving £440,000 by transferring its leisure centres to a trust and

£325,000 through re-tendered bus contracts.

"We run a very tight ship," said Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for finance.

The council added more than £1m will be saved in adult care services but a further £826,000 will be invested in 'new ways' to support the elderly that help them stay at home.

The books will also be balanced with job losses. The council expects to shed 31 posts this year.

Major projects included in the budget are £7.5m to relocate Oldfield Primary School  from Chiltern Road in Maidenhead to Bray Road, Bray and almost £2m to extend Ellington Primary School in Cookham Road, Maidenhead, which will be renamed Riverside Primary School.

MP for Maidenhead, Theresa May praised the Borough for the announcement.

"I am delighted that the council has once again been able to announce a significant cut in Council Tax," said the home secretary.

"This is excellent news for people in Maidenhead and the Royal Borough."

"This council is proving that you can get more for less by working with local residents to develop more efficient services."

The budget will be discussed at several meetings before being rubber-stamped on Tuesday, February 25.