ELDC Announce Slight Increase In Council Tax

East Lindsey District Council have announced there will be a slight increase in their council tax requirement, and have also announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.

The Council met last night to approve the budget for the 2013/14 financial year, voting for a rise in the District Council’s proportion of the Council Tax by an average of seven pence per week per household.

The balanced budget agreed by the Council has meant that front line services have been protected.  Despite the increase in Council Tax, the charge levied by East Lindsey District Council remains the lowest in Lincolnshire and one of the lowest in the country at £1.75 per week for homes in Band A.

However, this does not reflect the total increase in Council Tax as the total increase will be affected by Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police and Fire & Rescue.  The majority of Council Tax is paid to Lincolnshire County Council, despite the District Council being the collecting authority.

Meanwhile, Stuart Davy, who has been undertaking the role of Acting Chief Executive, has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis, following the retirement of Nigel Howells.

Stuart joined the District Council in 2008 and previously held the position of Deputy Chief Executive.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, said: “I am delighted that Stuart has accepted the role. The Council faces many significant challenges going forward, particularly around managing reductions in Government funding and maintaining services to the community. I have no doubt that Stuart is the right person to help us through these difficult times.”

Speaking of his appointment, Stuart said: “I am delighted to accept the position and relish the opportunity to work with Councillors, officers, partner organisations and local people, in taking the organisation forward. Whilst there are tough times ahead, there are opportunities too. We must continue to work hard and with our partners to improve the services we provide to local people, whilst also managing the significant funding cuts the Council faces.”

Before joining East Lindsey District Council, Stuart was Head of Neighbourhood Management at Kingston upon Hull City Council and before that led one of the previous Government’s flagship New Deal for Communities Programmes.