Lib Dem Folkestone deliver ZERO tax rise for SECOND year

More money for services but no rise in Folkestone's Council Tax: that's budget set by Folkestone Town Council for 2008-09. The budget was agreed by the Town Council at its 10 January Full Council meeting held at the University Centre Folkestone.

The budget freezes the "precept" - amount of Council Tax charged by the Town Council - for a second year. The Services budget is also increased by over £10,000 over the current year, with more money for supporting local events and maintaining allotments amongst other changes.

Lib Dem Group Leader and Council Finance Chair Tim Prater proposed the budget to the Council. In moving the budget, Tim said:

"I'm delighted this Council has an opportunity to set a zero percent rise in tax in the year after an election as well - and still deliver more expenditure on services. In Folkestone, we keep our promises."

The budget was passed without amendment with 12 Councillors in favour and three against. Only "People First" councillors Janet Andrews, Brian Copping and Paul Marsh voted against the budget.