Council plans tax increase of 3.5%

Council tax in Northamptonshire could rise by 3.5% in 2010 but it would remain the lowest in England, the leader of the council has said.

Northampton County Council's ruling Conservatives said they planned cuts of £21m in the next budget but would increase spending in key areas by £18m.

It said more spending would go on older people's services and children in care.

But the Liberal Democrats said the increase was a "political ploy" as the government would cap increases at 3%.

It also claimed services for vulnerable people would be threatened by cuts and increased charges.

The council is planning to fund a children's hospice to provide palliative care.

In next year's budget more money has been earmarked for children in care and for older people's services.

Perhaps the Conservatives are going to cut the increase back later and blame it on big bad government Brendan Glynane, Liberal Democrat

Council leader Jim Harker said he was pleased with the neutral budget for next year but plans for £100m in cuts over the next four years, announced last week, were still on course.

"Budget cuts in 2011 will amount to £17m with a £35m fall the following year and £47m the year after that."

Leader of the opposition Brendan Glynane said he was worried that the announced increase was a political ploy.

Roads budget

"The government had already indicated they were going to cap increases at 3%.

"Perhaps the Conservatives are going to cut the increase back later and blame it on big bad government.

"There is not enough detail in the budget although we know where some of the 'disinvestments' as they are called are to be made.

"These are cuts in funding and include £238,000 support for the county's award winning youth orchestra and £500,000 from the roads budget.

"Increased charges of 4.1% for services to older people and the vulnerable are also being proposed.

"Where can these people go for alternatives? The services they receive can only come from the county council," Mr Glynane said.

Money spent on gritting roads could also be cut back with more containers installed around the county for people to use themselves.

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