Cllr Bob Howarth - "That Council Tax Increase and Other Things!"

This is the text of a talk given by Branch member Cllr. Bob Howarth, Leader of Bolton Council at the Branch meeting on 4th March 2004.

Bob said that the budget in the current financial year (2003/2004) had been £294.5 million and next year it will increase to £311.5 million. The increase is mainly as a result of increased Government grants for Education and Social Services. Other monies, including European funding, will bring in an additional £20 million. Over 50% of the Borough's budget goes on Education and 29% on Social Services.

Regarding Education, Bob said that the current school building programme is unprecedented and nearly all of the old schools have been or are being replaced. Most of the new schools include community facilities.

Council Tax was increased by 3.5% plus 0.4% for the Police and Fire services and passenger transit. The increase in the Police budget means an extra 60 officers in Bolton. At the Council's budget meeting the Tories and Lib-Dems both put forward proposals, none of which would have resulted in a lower council Tax increase. Without some economies the increase would have been 5.5% and Councillors have accepted cuts in their allowances and expenses.

Bolton has been awarded first class local authority status by the Audit Commission because of its prudent administration of the budget and "good value for money" services. Eve pointed out that Social Services had gained the highest points and this had helped greatly in the overall assessment.

Bob continues, saying that despite the low increase there is still some growth. There is increased cleansing and litter removal and litter enforcement is being increased, as is the libraries' book fund. In the survey of electors, anti-social behaviour and crime came out as people's priority problems and these are what the Council will be targeting.

John asked about any further moves on behalf of Bolton School to proceed with their plans to close Dobson Road. Bob didn't know any more than that the school is likely to submit its original plan and, if rejected, hope to win on appeal.

George said that the Council should be congratulated for keeping the Council tax down. Bob said that Bolton's increase is about the average for Greater Manchester. Some are a bit higher, a few a little lower. He pointed out that 53% of dwellings in Bolton are in Council tax band A with 85% being in A, B or C.

John asked about the redevelopment of the old fire station site. Bob said that this was being developed after much delay and would provide a mixture of offices and flats. He added that there is a lot of development going on in the Borough and mentioned the new magistrates' Court in response to a question from Eve. The favoured site is Cheadle Square with the former Water Place site being another possibility.

Bob agreed with a statement from graham that trade in the market has suffered as a result of the relocation of Sainsbury's, but this couldn't be blamed on the Council! Apparently, Tesco are looking for a town centre site.

Leilia asked about the poor staying on rate in Bolton, after 16. Bob said that the Learning and Skills Council is willing to put up a lot of money (up to £10 million) into a project in the town centre to cater for post 16 educational needs.

Barbara asked about the cost of redundancy of teachers from the Deane School who are not re-employed at the new Deane/Blackrod & Rivington School.

There was a further general discussion and then Graham declared the meeting closed at 9:40pm, thanking Bob for addressing the meeting, those present for their attendance and Leilia for her hospitality.

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