The Council Tax in our area is made up of Five elements – County Council, Parish Council, Police, Fire and Charter Trust (Mayoralty).

For most people the Mayoralty is less than £5 a year, the big element (over £1000) is for the County Council.  For the Parish Councils it is around £30 a year.

The Coalition Govt has offered 2.5% for councils if they freeze council tax for residents. If implemented by Durham County Council will mean a second successive year of Council Tax freeze compared to a doubling of Council Tax under the Labour government.

Each council has to decide if it wants to accept the 2.5% grant or ask for more money from taxpayers.  I expect DCC will accept the grant offer, freezing the biggest portion of council tax.

What is less certain is with regards to the Police and Fire and Parish elements of the council tax.  As a member of Framwellgate Moor Parish Council I get the feeling that there is no desire from Lib Dem or Independent Councillors to increase the parish precept. Waiting to find out about Bearpark and Witton Gilbert parishes.

Police and Fire have not yet announced any figures however an offer from government to pay for a 3% rise, if accepted could mean no council tax rise at all for residents.

The final part of the Council tax bill – is a few pounds for the Charter Trust and Mayoralty of Durham City. Last year I negotiated with the County Council alongside other Lib Dem Charter trustees and reduced down service costs and consequently the Charter trust levy by 14%. I will be pushing for a minimum of a freeze this year and personally think we could reduce the figure down a bit more.

The more money in residents pockets the better.