Last year the Government provided extra funding to both Surrey and Reigate & Banstead to support much of the income drop and extra expense of dealing with covid. The government also used the councils to pass through grants to vulnerable groups, businesses and individuals. This extra support looks to be ending in June, so what about the rest of the year?
Surrey County Council
Surrey takes the lion’s share of the council tax – about 75% – and their council tax take went up by the “standard maximum” of 1.99% plus a levy of 0.5% for adult social care. The funding of social care has been under debate for many years, and no government has grasped the long-term issue of a sensible national funding arrangement, preferring to “allow” (effectively “require”) councils to charge an extra levy.
Residents Association councillors did not support the rise for a number of reasons – noting that the number of employees earning over £100,000 (the “100 Club”) has tripled since 2018. Key amongst the concerns is the continued inadequate funding of mental health for adults and children – the need for these services has shot up, but the Council’s cynical response is to “treat through work spreading” which can only mean “ignore as long as possible”.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
The Borough put up its council tax by 1.99%. It is impacted by coronavirus perhaps more than the County because of the loss of income from parking, theatres and leisure centres. The council has budgeted that it will need to dip into reserves to balance the books.
Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner
David Munro ran a public consultation on the 5.5% extra charge he was proposing. He received 4,400 responses which he said were about 50:50 for and against the large increase. He went ahead with the 5.5% increase, pledging the money to bring an extra 10 police officers and 67 operational staff. The money is to be focussed on more support for investigations, rural crime and road safety. Councillors have no say on the increase.