DDC’s Cabinet has agreed to progress a budget for 2024/25, with an exciting programme of investment ahead, including a fully funded capital programme - while maintaining the lowest Council Tax in East Kent.
The Council’s budget shows a £2.8m deficit, but this is due to late withdrawal by DEFRA of funding for essential port health checks on illicit meat being brought into the country.
These checks protect the UK food chain and the UK pork industry. To maintain the service, DDC will need to use 1/3 of Council Tax income paid by people in Dover District to maintain the checks in 2024/25, for the benefit of the UK, while it continues to raise concerns with DEFRA and Central Government.
At its meeting on Monday (5 Feb), Cabinet agreed to a proposed increase in the district council part of the Council Tax bill for a Band D property for 2024/25 of 2.98% (or £6.21). An exciting capital programme includes a whole range of affordable housing developments and regeneration projects across the district, including major projects like the Dover Beacon project and major restoration works on the Maison Dieu.
Following the meeting this week, the budget is set to return to Cabinet on 26 February before going to the Council Meeting on 6 March. For more details, please see the draft budget report to Cabinet on the DDC website.
NOTES:
While Dover District Council is responsible for the collection of Council Tax in the district, DDC’s part of the overall Council Tax bill is around 10% of the total collected. The district council part of the Council Tax bill for a Band D property in Dover District for 2024/25 is proposed to be £214.38.
In accordance with Dover District Council’s Constitution, executive decisions made by Cabinet are subject to call-in by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. The period for call-in expires four working days after the record of decision is published. The information contained in this press statement may be subject to further review and changes and may not reflect the final decision.
Posted on 09 February 2024