Council freezes tax bills and unveils £857,000 roads boost (From Gazette & Herald)

Council freezes tax bills and unveils £857,000 roads boost

4:23pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

COUNCIL tax bills in North Yorkshire have today been frozen for the third year in a row.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council yesterday have voted to accept a £2.2 million Government “freeze grant”, which equates to a one per cent tax rise, to peg levels at their current rate in 2013/14.

“We know many households are struggling financially and that is why were are pleased to be able to freeze council tax for the third year in succession, which will have saved the average household £95 over the three years,” said council leader John Weighell.

The authority has also today confirmed it will spend an extra £857,000 on highways drainage, on top of a £723,000 programme already agreed and £2 million allocated for general road repairs, following the severe damage caused by winter floods. The additional funding has been secured from the Government after lobbying by the council and MPs.

“This is our attempt to ensure damage caused to the road network is put right and we are well-placed in the event of similar future incidents," said Coun Weighell, who said the funds would be prioritised on a “worst first” basis and work on the most serious problems would begin immediately.

"We regard this very much as an investment. North Yorkshire's road network is of vital importance in keeping England's largest county on the move. Reducing surface water on the roads, and cutting down on the need for road closures because of flooding is a top priority for us, and this major new investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling the issue head-on."