Council Tax Rise in Swale

Band D households will pay just £3.35 per week for Swale Borough Council services from April.

Council tax for the 2019/20 financial year was set at last night’s full council meeting, with band D households set to pay £174.42 a year to the council, an increase of £4.59 (2.7%). 

Most properties (63.7%) in Swale are in bands A-C meaning they will pay even less than this.

Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley, cabinet member for finance at the council, said:

“Dark Stormy clouds are on the horizon. We have to look to a very uncertain future. Most importantly this budget will give the new administration whatever the political make up in May a sound and solid foundation to work from and will be able to use our assets to the best advantage, regenerating our borough, making certain that our investments provides a regular income to offset annual costs and to contribute to our self financing strategy.

In the last century we had the roaring 20’s. We can break through those dark stormy clouds and into the bright sunshine. and enter the Golden Age, the 20 20’s. It is the step forward into a future that will benefit the residents of this wonderful borough of Swale. providing an excellent service now and for years to come.”

Charges for Swale Borough Council services are only one element of the final council tax bill residents receive.  The charges being for a band D property are:

Authority	Band D	Increase (%)
Kent County Council	£1,299.42	4.99
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner	£193.15	14.19
Swale Borough Council	£174.42	2.7
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority	£77.76	2.98

Areas with town or parish councils will also have to pay for their services. This is set by each individual parish/town councils, and averages £43.13 where applicable.

The council meeting discussing the proposals took place on Wednesday, 20 February and the report can be viewed on the council’s website.

For more information about council tax, visit www.swale.gov.uk/council-tax