COUNCIL FIXES TAX FOR 2006/07

The Band D tax will be 166.84 and the rise is equivalent to an extra 13 pence per week for a Band D property.

Before setting the new level of tax, councillors consulted with representatives of the business community and groups of residents from its Citizens' panel.

Council Leader Ann De Vecchi said, "We have taken account of recent consultation exercises where nearly 70% of respondents said they would be prepared to support a maximum of 5% tax rise, for further improvements in environmental services and 30% said they wanted less than a 5% rise. We will continue to review our spending priorities during next year and to make efficiency savings wherever possible. A 4.3% tax rise will enable us to continue providing a good level of service to the community".

Service improvements next year will include:

Keeping the environment clean and tidy '“ introduction of fixed penalty fines for litter and dog-fouling offences

Dealing with anti-social activities '“ fly-tippers, nuisance vehicles

The overall council tax figure for an average Band D property in the district for 2006/2007 will be 1,414.79. The council tax bills that residents will receive in March will show an increase of 1.25 a week for an average Band D property, an annual increase of 4.82%

Residents' council tax bills are made up of the budget needs of East Sussex County Council, the Sussex Police Authority, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and their local town or parish council. The East Sussex County Council portion of the council tax bill will be increased by 4.71%, Sussex Police Authority has agreed to increase its part of the council tax by 4.98% and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service by 4.94%. The average town and parish precept increases by 7.69%