A guide to Council Tax and Business Rates 2015/2016 - Your Services, Your Halton - www.halton.gov.uk
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Your Services, Your Halton
A guide to Council Tax and Business Rates
2015/2016
www.halton.gov.uk
1
Working efficiently for you About this leaflet
Over recent years Halton has faced unprecedented and unfair levels of cuts to its budget. This year, the This leaflet contains important information about your Council Tax bill, how your money is spent, what your
grant the Council receives from the Government will be reduced by a further £11million - a cut of £87 for bill is for the coming year and different ways to pay.
every person living in Halton.
The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on:
Since the current Government came to power, Halton has suffered a £46million or 45% loss in Government · The value of your property based on values at 1 April 1991; and
funding. We only have to think about how difficult it would be to cope if our own incomes were cut by nearly · Your personal circumstances
a half, to appreciate the problem the Council faces.
For a property that is in Band D (a ‘typical’ property Details of how properties are ‘banded’ are shown
This year, in preparing the budget we have been faced with the daunting task of finding savings of a for the UK) the tax is £1430.70 made up of the below. A full table of tax for each type of property
staggering £19m – this is on top of £15m last year. following: and parish is below.
Finding savings of this magnitude cannot be done without any pain, and some unpleasant choices have Range of valuation bands
Halton Borough Council charge £1204.01
had to be made. However, we have taken these decisions with the key aim of protecting the front line Band
Police Authority charge £156.23
services that support the most vulnerable in our community. A Up to and including £ 40,000
Fire Authority charge £70.46
Total £1430.70 B £40,001 - £ 52,000
Nonetheless, under the pressure of the cuts forced upon us, we have had to take the decision to increase C £52,001 - £ 68,000
Council Tax by 1.9%. We know that this places further burden on already stretched household budgets, D £68,001 - £ 88,000
however, we do not believe that even more cuts to essential front line services would be helpful.
E £88,001 - £120,000
F £120,001 - £160,000
Unfortunately, we know that the next couple years will be equally as tough, with a budget gap of some
G £160,001 - £320,000
£32million already forecast. We will soon begin the disheartening task of trying to identify these savings.
H More than £320,000
These are difficult messages to have to give, and I must thank local people for their continued support
during these testing times. We know that many of you will have friends, neighbours and family that rely on
Council services in their everyday lives - please be reassured that we are working tirelessly to ensure we What you will pay in 2015/16
do whatever we can to continue to offer this essential support. Council Tax charges 2015/16
Sandymoor
Daresbury
Halebank
Preston
Halton
Moore
Brook
Band
Hale
A 953.79 970.22 962.99 971.22 971.28 964.74 972.40
Cllr Mike Wharton
B 1,112.76 1,131.93 1,123.49 1,133.09 1,133.16 1,125.53 1,134.48
Executive Board Member - Resources
C 1,271.73 1,293.64 1,284.00 1,294.97 1,295.05 1,286.33 1,296.55
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority D 1,430.70 1,455.35 1,444.50 1,456.84 1,456.93 1,447.12 1,458.62
E 1,748.64 1,778.77 1,765.51 1,780.59 1,780.70 1,768.71 1,782.76
From 1st April 2014, Halton Borough Council became part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority,
which is a strategic body charged with overseeing certain functions on behalf of, and in partnership F 2,066.58 2,102.19 2,086.51 2,104.34 2,104.47 2,090.30 2,106.91
with, the five Merseyside councils and Halton. The Combined Authority has particular responsibilities for
regeneration, employment and skills, housing, and transport. In respect of these particular responsibilities
G 2,384.49 2,425.57 2,407.49 2,428.06 2,428.21 2,411.86 2,431.02
Halton will not however be fully integrated within the Combined Authority until 2018. H 2,861.40 2,910.70 2,889.00 2,913.68 2,913.86 2,894.24 2,917.24
2 3
Making it easier to pay your bill A guide to Council Tax
You can pay your Council Tax by direct debit, card, cash, cheque or online.
Your Council Tax bill is normally payable by ten year are shown at the bottom of your bill. You may Council Tax is payable on most homes. How much you pay, before benefits and discounts, depends on
monthly instalments, however if you wish to pay pay fortnightly provided the monthly amount is paid the “banding” of the property. A ‘typical’ house in the UK is one that was valued at 1 April 1991 at between
over 12 months, please contact us by 15 April. If you in full by the due date. £68,000 and £88,000 and so is in tax ‘band D’. Houses with lower values are put in bands A to C and pay
become liable part way through the year or receive less tax, while those with higher values are put in bands E to H and pay more tax.
a bill after the start of the year your instalments will We’re here to help. If you have difficulty in paying
be reduced accordingly. your Council Tax, please call us immediately, we will
make an arrangement to help you clear the debt. The band of your house and the amounts you pay are shown on your bill.
Details of the monthly instalments for the current
Direct Debit Monthly installments starting 1st, 10th, 20th or 28th Are you paying too much?
April
Help if you are
The Council Tax bill for each band assumes that there are at least two
Half yearly 1st installment due 15th April, 2nd installment due adults living in each property. If there is only one adult, a 25% discount disabled
on or before 1st September The easy way to pay. If will be given.
you already pay other If you, or someone living
Annually Payable on or before 15th April bills by direct debit, you with you, need a room,
will know how simple it is. Any person over 18 years old is counted as an adult. The following
an extra bathroom,
With direct debit there is people may not count when we look at the number of adults who live kitchen or extra space
Debit/credit card Payment can be made over the telephone using
no more queuing, postage in your property to meet
most major debit / credit cards. Please note that in a property:
and you have the peace special requirements
a surcharge of 2% will be made on all credit card
of mind knowing your bill arising from a disability
payments however no charge will be made for
the use of debit cards. is being paid on time. You · Full time students, student nurses and Youth Training trainees you may be entitled to a
can set up your direct debit · Patients resident in hospital discount.
Please call the automated payment line on by calling us on 0151 511 · Anyone being looked after in care homes Your bill may be
0303 333 4300 (open 24hrs, seven days a week) 7771, or in person at any
Halton Direct Link, just
· Anyone with a severe mental illness reduced to that of a
property in the band
Online Payment can be made online at
remember to have your · Anyone who lives in a hostel or a shelter
immediately below the
bank details with you. We · 18 and 19 year olds still at or just left school band shown for your
www.halton.gov.uk will confirm details of your
You will need to have your account reference direct debit within three · Care-workers working for low pay (Less than £36 per week) property. If you are
already in band A, the
number to hand
working days. As well as · Anyone caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, lowest valuation band,
being simple and safe for
partner or child under 18 you may still qualify for
you, paying by direct debit
a reduction of 1/9th of
Cheque Please pay in person at any Halton Direct Link, helps us keep costs down · Diplomats and visiting services staff
band D charge.
or send by post to Halton Borough Council, too, therefore helping to · Members of religious communities (monks & nuns)
Revenues & Benefits, PO Box 223, Widnes WA8 keep the Council Tax as
2DA low as possible. · People in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of
Council Tax or fine)
Please make your cheque payable to Halton Borough Council
Having problems paying? · Annexes occupied by members of the main household’s
We’re here to help – family, or used as part of the main dwelling are entitled to 50%
Cash Pay by monthly installments starting 15th April discount
using one of the payment kiosks located at any If you have difficulty in
Halton Direct Link (see last page for locations) paying your Council Tax, Your bill will show if you are entitled to a discount. If none is shown but you
Please do not send cash through the post. please call us immediately think you could be entitled to one, call us immediately on 0151 511 7771.
and we will make an
arrangement to help you
clear the debt.
4 5
Should you be paying Council Tax? How to appeal
Owners of empty properties will be liable for Council Tax. You may only appeal against the band your home is in if one of the following applies:
Some properties that have no one living in them may be exempt if they: · The property has significantly changed in value because of demolition or adaptation work or
· are unfurnished (exempt for up to four weeks) because of a change in the area such as a major new road next to the property
· are owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months) · You start or stop using part of the property as a business, or the balance between domestic and
· are left empty by someone who has gone to prison business use changes
· are left empty by someone who has moved in order to receive personal care in a hospital or a
· The Listing Officer has altered a list without a proposal having been made by a taxpayer
home or elsewhere
· are left empty by someone who has moved to provide personal care to another person
· You become the taxpayer of the property for the first time (you must appeal within six months)
· have been left empty by students
Making an appeal does not allow you to withhold payment of your bill.
· are waiting probate or letters of administration to be granted (and for up to six months after)
· have been repossessed If you wish to appeal, you should contact the Listing Officer, The Valuation Office Agency, Redgrave Court,
Merton Road, Bootle, L20 7HS Tel: 03000 501501
· are the responsibility of a bankrupt’s trustee
· are empty because no one is allowed to live there by law You may also appeal if you consider that you are not liable to pay Council Tax, or you believe there has
been a mistake in calculating your bill.
· are waiting to be lived in by a minister of religion
· are unoccupied granny annexes If you wish to appeal on these grounds, you should contact Halton Borough Council in writing.
· are made up of a pitch or a mooring which is not occupied by a caravan or a boat
If your appeal is successful, you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid tax. If you think your property
· are solely occupied by students, under 18’s, or severely mentally impaired people.
may be exempt please contact the Council Tax team on 0151 511 7771.
Properties that require, or are undergoing, major repair are entitled to 50% discount for a maximum of 12
months.
Important information about your Council Tax data
Properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished are entitled to 100% discount for 4 weeks followed by 25%
discount for a further 22 weeks as long as they remain unoccupied. Under section 6 of the Audit Commission Act 1998, we must participate in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI)
data matching exercise.
Long term empty properties and second homes are subject to 100% charge. Some second homes may
still be eligible for 50% discount where the owner is required to live elsewhere in job related premises e.g. This means Council Tax data will be provided to the Audit Commission for NFI and will be used for cross-
pub landlords, caretakers, members of armed forces in family accommodation. If you fall into one of these system and cross-authority comparison for the prevention and detection of fraud.
categories, please contact us on 0151 511 7771.
The data Halton Borough Council holds in respect of your Council Tax account will be used for cross-system
Properties that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years are subject to a 50% and cross-authority comparison purposes for the prevention and detection of fraud.
empty homes premium.
A billing authority also has discretion to reduce the amount of Council Tax payable for situations that are
not covered by national discounts and exemptions. This can be used in individual cases or to determine
classes of case in which liability may be reduced.
If you think your property may be exempt, please contact us on 0151 511 7771.
6 7
Are you entitled to Council Tax reduction? Don’t delay, report today!
Over 35% of people who are entitled to claim money off their Council Tax bill are missing out – could you If you receive Council Tax reduction and/or housing benefit, you should tell us immediately if your
be one of them? circumstances change. Things you need to tell us about include:
You do not have to be unemployed to claim Council Tax reduction. If you are in work but on a low income, · A change in your income, including the type of income or the amounts you receive
Council Tax reduction could pay some, or all, of your Council Tax bill.
· A person moving in or out of your home, including additions to your family
Housing Benefit · A child leaving school, or further/higher education
If you pay rent for your home and are on a low income, you may also qualify for help towards paying this · A change in the income of anyone living in your home, other than yourself or you partner
too. You may be able to get Housing Benefit if you are on other benefits, work part-time, or work full-time
on a low income. It is important that you tell us about these changes so that you do not miss out on benefits you are entitled
to, or that you do not receive benefits you are not entitled to. If you receive more than you are entitled to,
How much will you get? we may claim the money back by taking it off future payments, or by sending you a bill.
If you are eligible for housing benefit and/or Council Tax reduction, the amount you receive will depend on
how much you have to pay in rent/Council Tax and your circumstances. This includes: Maximise your income – claim it or lose it
· Your income (and partner’s income if you have one)
Every year the Welfare Rights Service helps residents of Halton to claim over £2.5 million in welfare benefits.
· Your savings
This is money that people are often unaware they are entitled to. Much of this money is not “means tested”,
· The number of children that live with you but depends on your state of health and will not affect any other benefit entitlement.
· Other people in your household Our Welfare Rights Service can help in a number of ways:
· If you or someone in your family has a disability · Benefit check – a free and confidential benefit check to maximise your income and advise and
apply for any welfare benefits you may be entitled to
Second adult rebate
· Appeals – help in making an appeal against a decision for any welfare benefits, where you
You may also be able to reduce your Council Tax bill if you live with someone who is on a low income and have refused or think the decision is wrong
you would normally be entitled to a single person discount if they were not living with you. The rebate is
based on the income of any second adult that lives with you, not on your income or savings.
· Money advice – free and confidential advice and debt management to help you with your finances
How to claim
To contact the Welfare Rights Services call 0151 511 8930.
If you are unsure if you will qualify, you should make a claim to find out. For expert advice, leaflets and
application forms, contact our Benefits Service:
In person – at any Halton Direct Link
By telephone – 0151 511 7772
By email – benefits@halton.gov.uk
You will find more information about benefits on our website www.halton.gov.uk/benefits
8 9How the money is spent Halton’s band D charge is £1,204.01 and is calculated from the following figures:
The calculation of the amount of Council Tax is based on the spending requirements of Halton Borough 2015/16 2014/15 Difference
%
Council, Cheshire Police Authority, Cheshire Fire Authority and, if appropriate, the relevant Parish Council. £ £ £
The Council’s spending (known as the ‘Budget Requirement’) is planned to be £101.452m. Schools are Gross expenditure 314,972,845 313,552,804 1,420,041 0.5
funded by a specific grant known as the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) The following chart demonstrates
how the budget requirement is split over each of the Authority’s services. (less) Income (213,520,844) (205,309,712) (8,211,132) 4.0
BUDGET REQUIREMENT 101,452,001 108,243,092 (6,791,091) (6.3)
Budget Requirement by Service 2015/16 (less) Start-up Funding
Revenue Support Grant 28,261,409 38,987,978 (10,726,569) (27.5)
Cultural, Planning and Environmental Services 12.3%
Top Up Grant 7,449,080 7,309,410 139,670 1.9
Highways, Roads & Transport 4.5%
Business Rates Retention 27,092,791 24,844,720 2,248,071 9.0
62,803,280 71,142,108 (8,338,828) (11.7)
Adult Social Care 21.5% Council Tax Requirement 38,648,721 37,100,984 1,547,737 4.2
The band D charge is calculated by dividing the above Council Tax Requirement by the Tax Base.
Band D Council Tax Charge Calculation: 38,648,721 = £1,204.01
32,100
The aggregate band D charge for Halton is made up as follows:
Education Services including DSG 60.4%
2015/16 2014/15 Difference %
£ £ £
Halton’s Band D Charge 1,204.01 1,181.56 22.45 1.90
Local Government Settlement Funding Assessment (which incorporates Revenue Support Grant & Top-Up
The Police Authority’s Band D Charge 156.23 153.21 3.02 1.97
Grant) and a contribution from the Collection Fund (Business Rates Retention & Council Tax), is deducted
from the Budget Requirement to give the ‘Council Tax Requirement’. The Fire Authority’s Band D Charge 70.46 69.09 1.37 1.98
Total Council Tax Band D Charge 1,430.70 1,403.86 26.84 1.91
Council Tax is calculated by reference to the number of equivalent band D properties in Halton, which
is 32,100 (called `The Tax Base’) and is expressed as a charge per band D property. Charges for other
bands are then arrived at using a set ratio (see Council Tax Charges on Page 3 for details of all the band
charges).
10 11In addition, properties in the parishes will be liable to pay an extra charge to cover the parish needs.
The 2015/16 Tax Base, Precept, and Band D charge for each Parish are shown below. Non-Domestic Rates
Non-Domestic Rates, or business rates, collected by local authorities are the method by which those who
Band D Band D are liable for non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services. Under the business rates
Parish Tax Base Parish Precept Difference
Charge Charge retention arrangements, introduced from 1st April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates
paid locally.
2015/16 2014/15 2015/16 2014/15
£ £ £ £ £ This money, together with revenue from council taxpayers, revenue support grant provided by the Government
Hale 649 16,000 15,400 24.65 23.95 0.70 and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by Halton Borough Council and other local
authorities in your area. Further information about Non-Domestic Rates, including transitional and other reliefs
Moore 320 4,416 4,300 13.80 13.61 0.19
may be obtained at www.gov.uk.
Daresbury 153 4,000 3,475 26.14 23.17 2.97
For 2015/2016, the Government has set the standard non-domestic rating multiplier at 49.3 pence per £ of
Preston Brook 324 8,500 8,000 26.23 25.08 1.15
rateable value and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier will be 48.0 pence.
Halebank 488 13,625 13,820 27.92 27.98 (0.06)
Sandymoor 948 15,566 15,600 16.42 16.42 0.00
Total Valuation of Property
62,107 60,595
precept
All rateable values are provided by the Valuation Office Agency, which is a division of HM Revenue & Customs.
More detailed information on the valuation of properties can be obtained by visiting their website at
www.voa.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can write to the Agency at Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle,
Merseyside, L20 7HS or call 03000 504000 for further details.
Please note that you must pay in accordance with the instalments shown on your bill, pending any
appeal against the rateable value for the property.
Empty Property Rates
The rating liability of empty property is presently 100% of the occupied rate due, once the initial exemption
period has expired. The exemption is three-months for offices, shops and other non-industrial properties and
six-months for industrial premises, such as factories, workshops and warehouses.
The Government reduced the threshold for the exemption in respect of empty properties in 2011/12 and
only vacant premises with a rateable value below £2,600 qualify for this exemption. This condition remains
applicable for the 2015/16 financial year.
Contact the Team
You should not hesitate to contact the Non-Domestic Rate Team on 0151 511 8932 or by email at
business.rates@halton.gov.uk, should you require any further information on any rating matters.
12 13ENVIRONMENT AGENCY NORTH WEST REGION Worried about money?
The Council Tax (Demand Notices) (England) Regulations 2011 If you have lost your job, are working less hours, or just struggling to pay your bills because of growing
debt, we are here to help you. Our advisors can give you practical help, advice on managing your debts,
money saving tips, benefits advice and ways to deal with other financial problems. Give us a call today on
The Environment Agency is a levying body for its Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Functions 0303 333 4300.
under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Environment Agency (Levies) (England and Wales)
Regulations 2011. Looking for work? Other sources of help include:
The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 6500 If you are unemployed, at risk of redundancy,
Citizens Advice Bureau
kilometres of main river and along tidal and sea defences in the area of the North West Regional Flood and looking for a career change or you think you need
Coastal Committee. Money is spent on the construction of new flood defence schemes, the maintenance to improve your skills, there is a range of help at (www.citizensadvice.org.uk t: 08451 304055)
of the river system and existing flood defences together with the operation of a flood warning system and hand. can give you advice on managing your finances
management of the risk of coastal erosion. The financial details are: and any tax issues.
Our Adult Learning team offers courses to improve StepChange
English, Maths and ICT skills - visit www.halton. (www.stepchange.org t: 0800 1381111) is a
North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee charity that provides confidential free counselling
gov.uk/adultlearning or call us on 0303 333 4300. and money management advice
The National Debtline
2014/15 2015/16
The Halton Employment Partnership Award (www.nationaldebtline.co.uk t: 0808 808 4000)
000’s 000’s is a programme aimed at enhancing your job provides free debt advice and support.
prospects by combining employability skills with
Gross Expenditure £74,205 £80,544 sector-specific training.
Levies Raised £3,638 £3,711 Contact details:
The course is delivered in two parts. During the first
Total Council Tax Base 1,955 1,995 two weeks you will cover: Council Tax:
Tel: 0151 511 7771
CV and letter writing, job search and job
The majority of funding for flood defence comes directly from the Department for the Environment, Food Email: council.tax@halton.gov.uk
applications, interview skills, IT for work, team
and Rural Affairs (Defra). However, under the new Partnership Funding rule not all schemes will attract full Business Rates:
working, communication and assertiveness, setting
central funding. To provide ‘matching’ funding the Agency may seek funding from County and Metropolitan Tel: 0151 511 8932
goals and action planning, time management.
Councils, Unitary Authorities and London Boroughs in the form of a Local Levy. The Local Levy is shared on
Email: business.rates@halton.gov.uk
the basis of Band D Equivalents between all contributing bodies within the Committee Area.
The following two weeks offer you the opportunity
Benefits:
to access sector specific training in Customer
Changes in the Gross Budgeted expenditure between the years both reflects the impact of the Government Tel: 0151 511 7772
Care, Hospitality & Leisure or Retail. The course
Spending Review and national prioritisation of projects. For 15/16 we have included Grant Aided Expenditure Email: benefits@halton.gov.uk
also includes achievement of a Health & Safety
on all Risk Management Authority Programs. The total Local Levy raised has increased by 2%.
Certificate. Cheshire Police Authority
The total Local Levy raised has increased from £3,638,000 in 2014/2015 to £3,710,760 for 2015/2016. Tel: 01244 614003
For more information call 0151 511 8931, visit www. Cheshire Fire Authority
For further information you can visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or contact the Customer Help line: halton.gov.uk/hep or email: hep@halton.gov.uk. Tel: 01606 868484
08708 506 50, Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60, Floodline: 0845 988 1188.
Halton People Into Jobs can offer a wide range You can also write to:
of support to help you get back to work if you are Strategic Director – Policy & Resources
unemployed, visit www.halton.gov.uk/hpij or call Halton Borough Council
0303 333 4300. Municipal Building, Kingsway, Widnes WA8 7QF
14 1516 17
COUNCIL TAX INFORMATION 2015–16
Building the fire service of
T the future
he first of four new fire
stations is scheduled to open
this summer as Cheshire Fire
Authority continues its programme the near £8 million savings the Authority
to fundamentally change how its needs to make over the next four years due
emergency response service will be to cuts in its funding.
provided in the future. In 2015-16 savings of £1.9 million are
With crews attending 50% less incidents required, with £950,000 coming from the
than a decade ago, the programme aims to emergency response changes and the rest
ensure future staffing is more in line with risk mostly from a major value for money review
and activity levels and that the new stations across back office areas.
improve overall average response times. In addition, the Authority is increasing its
The on-call station at Alsager is due to Council Tax level by 1.99% which means
open in July 2015, with around 16 local that the amount for a Band D home will be
people being trained to work as part-time £70.46 – an increase of £1.37 or 2.6p per
firefighters. Planning permission has also week.
been obtained for full-time fire stations at
Penketh near Warrington, Powey Lane near
As well as the new stations, the
Authority’s capital programme for 2015-16 STAY STAY
SAFE ALERT
the M56 and at the Lymm motorway includes:
junction.
• £840,000 for three new fire engines
Work on these starts in 2015-16 with the
• £700,000 on a new hydraulic platform
Lymm development integrating a fire
to help firefighters work at height
station with a state of the art training and Over half of all fires in the home start in the Sign up to our messaging system to get vital
safety facility. The iconic circular building • £170,000 to fit all fire engines with kitchen – stay safe by following our tips: information about major incidents and issues in
will feature scenarios aimed at raising new computers so crews can get the • Always clean the grill pan after use to stop fat your area.
awareness of a wide range of risks to young latest risk information. and oil building up
The Alert System is a completely free two-way
people, older people and carers. • Never leave cooking unattended
More details about how the Authority community messaging system which allows you to
• Make sure that you have a working smoke
Total cost of the building programme is aims to protect local communities are set alarm receive key messages from the Service by text
£15.5 million and it is hoped this will be out in ‘Making Cheshire Safer’. This annual message, email or phone.
• Don’t start cooking if you have had alcohol or
fully funded from grants and reserves. publication, also known as the Integrated are really tired To register go to the Service’s website -
Changes in how some stations will be Risk Management Plan for 2015-16, is on • Keep tea towels and cloths away from grills www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/MyAccount - and put in
crewed are making a major contribution to the Service’s website. and hobs your home or work post code or that of a relative
• Watch out if you are wearing loose clothing. and choose the alerts you want.
cheshirefire.gov.uk
18 19Cheshire Fire Authority Estimated expenditure and income
Facts and figures
The Fire Authority manages
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service operates: 2015–16 2014–15
the local fire and rescue £m £m
service on behalf of the • 24 Fire Stations Pay related expenditure
community. It comprises 23 • 4 Community Safety Centres Firefighters 23.5 24.0
councillors – eight from Other staff 7.3 7.4
• 3 Community Fire Protection Offices Non-pay expenditure 12.8 12.7
Cheshire East, seven from
Cheshire West and Chester, • A Headquarters and training facility. Income (1.4) (1.4)
five from Warrington and
three from Halton. The Authority provides a 24 hour service to just Budget requirement 42.2 42.7
Representing over 1 million people and employs some:
Halton • 663 operational staff
Cllr Phil Harris • 229 community safety and other support staff.
How the budget compared with last year
Cllr Stef Nelson
The Fire Authority budget requirement for 2015–16 is £42.2 million
Cllr Rob Polhill compared with a budget of £42.7 million for last year. The reasons for the
1.2% decrease in the overall budget are as follows:
Fire budget 2015–16 £m
% increase
(decrease)
The Fire Authority has agreed that a budget of
£42.2 million is required to provide a fire and Last year’s budget 42.7
rescue service to the communities of Cheshire
Pay and price inflation 0.7 1.6
Essential growth 0.7 1.7
East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and
Efficiencies and Savings (1.9) (4.6)
Meeting dates Warrington areas for 2015–16.
IRMP & Financing adjustments 0.1 0.2
Other* (0.1) (0.1)
With £17.44 million provided through
Wed 17 June 2015 Government grants and Business rates, it means Total 42.2 (1.2)
Wed 23 September 2015 that £24.51 million will need to be raised from *Other includes:
Wed 9 December 2015 local Council Tax, which is equivalent to £70.46 Allocation of second homes precept 0.001
Wed 10 February 2016 for each Band D dwelling. This is a rise of 1.99%, Section 31 grants (0.058)
or 2.6p a week for a Band D home.
Wed 20 April 2016
All meetings are open to the The budget equates to a cost per resident of just Where the money will come from
public, start at 10.30am and 81p per week.
are held at the Service £m £ Per £ Band D
Headquarters in Winsford. Resident Equivalent
This year’s budget 42.18 42.18 121.25
All reports and minutes are Queries about this leaflet should be sent to: Head of Finance, Less Government grants and Business rates (17.67) (17.67) (50.79)
on the Service’s website - CFRS Headquarters, Sadler Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 2FQ
www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Local Council Tax 24.51 24.51 70.46
t: 01606 868700 e: feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk
20 21
feedback@cheshirefire.gov.uk 01606 868700 facebook.com/CheshireFRS @CheshireFireHalton Direct Link
All together - a better way
We are here to help you however you choose to contact us:
In person
If you would like to speak to one of our expert advisors face-to-face you can visit us at Halton Direct link.
You will find us at:
Halton Lea Widnes Brook Runcorn Library Ditton Library
Shopping Centre Street
Monday 9:00 – 17:30 9:00 – 17:30 10:00 – 17:00 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 9:00 – 17:30 9:00 – 17:30 10:00 – 18:00 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday 9:00 – 17:30 9:00 – 17:30 CLOSED CLOSED
Thursday 9:00 – 17:30 9:00 – 17:30 9:30 – 17:00 9:30 – 17:00
Friday 9:00 – 17:30 9:00 – 17:30 10:00 – 17:00 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday 9:00 – 13:00 9:00 – 13:00 10:00 – 14:30 10:00 – 14:30
Call us
If it is more convenient for you to use the telephone, then just call our contact centre on 0303 333 4300 we
are open 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday.
Whichever way you choose to get in touch, our expert staff will be there to help. They are fully trained to
help with Council Tax queries and payments, benefits advice, street lighting repairs, pest control, waste
management enquiries and much, much more.
If they cannot help you directly themselves they will ensure your query is passed on to the correct person
and that you receive a prompt response.
Visit our website
Don’t forget that our website www.halton.gov.uk has lots of useful information about council services, our
borough, facts and figures, what’s on and other local news.
You can also pay your Council Tax online or email us with your questions and comments.
If you do not have access to the internet at home or work, you can use the internet for FREE at one of our
libraries or any Halton Direct Link.You can also read
