Council tax will stay the same

COUNCIL tax will remain the same in Camden for the next financial year, the town hall has confirmed. As revealed exclusively in last week's Ham&High, there will be no increase in the payment for residents. On top of that, London Mayor Boris Johnso

COUNCIL tax will remain the same in Camden for the next financial year, the town hall confirmed on Monday.

As revealed exclusively in last week's Ham&High, there will be no increase in the payment for residents.

On top of that, London Mayor Boris Johnson has kept the council tax precept the same so all properties will pay exactly the same as this year - with the average band D property in the borough paying �1,331.35.

Camden's ruling coalition has also outlined plans to keep their portion of tax the same for 2009/2010 as well.

Deputy leader Andrew Marshall said: "I am pleased we were able to reach an agreement as a group and the reaction on the street is that people are really pleased - it is nice to get a bit of good news."

Finance chief Ralph Scott added: "This puts �5million back in people's pockets which we think is very important and a real response to the recession.

"We are definitely doing it this year and all things being equal we want to do it next year as well."

In the budget, released this week, the council cut costs in several areas as well as increasing some fees and charges on the public but have assured these will not be in core services.