Working closer with communities
Council Tax
2009/10 Keeping you informed | www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Key council phone numbers
2
0845 2000 101
General enquiries
0845 2000 101
Recruitment (jobs at the council)
0845 2000 102
Housing repairs
0845 2000 103
Envirolink
0845 2000 104
Council tax and benefits
0845 2000 105
Racial harassment
0845 2000 107
Payments
0845 2000 108
Families Information Service
Contents Elected mayor’s message
4
What you will pay this year
7
Council Plan themes Ambition
8
Growth
10
Quality of life
12
Value for money
14
Closer
16
Where your money goes
18
North Tyneside Council budget
19
Efficiency explanation
20
Other ways to pay your Council Tax
22
Benefits and exemptions
23
Data protection
26
Querying your Council Tax band
27
Northumbria Police Authority budget
28
Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue budget
29
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority budget
30
Environment Agency flood defence budget
31 3
Elected mayor’s message Dear Resident Welcome to your Council Tax leaflet for 2009/10. This leaflet sets out how your council will run its business over the next year. As you will be aware, we have decided on a 2.5 per cent increase in Council Tax - just 7p a day for a band A property or only an extra £24 a year. This is the lowest increase in Council Tax we have ever been able to set in North Tyneside and we have been able to do that because of the excellent financial position we have built up over the last four years. We are well placed to deal with the current economic situation and to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available as conditions improve. I do not believe in increasing Council Tax without good reason. This leaflet lays out exactly what we spend your money on I believe we are able to deliver a huge amount and we want to deliver even more. We are determined to push ahead with our plans to make North Tyneside an even better place to live, work and play. We will continue to invest in our borough and to work with our communities to deliver the services you tell us you want. As elected mayor, I have made a commitment that your priorities should be my priorities.
4
Safer and cleaner streets We have, with our partners, reduced crime - targeting those areas you tell us are important to you. Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is down and North Tyneside remains the safest place to live in the North East. And we have launched an annual Big Spring Clean campaign to make the streets even cleaner and provided more estate wardens. But we have plans to do even more. This year, we will be investing in our safer estates team, working even closer with Northumbria Police and continuing to crack down on illegal alcohol sales. We will also be increasing the number of anti-litter officers and planting 2,000 more trees across the borough.
Education and youth facilities We have continued to invest in improving the life chances of young people. Exam results continue to improve, local schools are being built or refurbished and our Fuel4Kids free breakfast programme has been a major success. Again we have big plans to do so much more, including the introduction of the Young North Tynesider Card, providing more play facilities, a new ‘multiversity’ on the North Bank of the Tyne and free broadband for all residents - connecting our young people to the world for free.
Fuel4Kids: John Harrison joins the breakfast club at Moor Edge Primary to see how the scheme is progressing.
Roads and pavements Residents tell me this is a key area for them and it’s one in which we will be concentrating our efforts, including a new participatory budgeting scheme. We have already increased the number of 20mph zones around schools and residential areas. And we are working closely with Nexus to deliver many more affordable bus routes. In our current budget, we have also made provision to finance two new bus routes and a community bus service to help people in our residential homes do their shopping.
Older people I am conscious we have a duty to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We have already started the process of personalising social care - giving our older people the dignity they deserve. We have also rolled out the Warmzone initiative benefiting people in all our communities and our garden care scheme ensures people have pleasant and tidy gardens.
In the coming years, I am committed to further upgrading our sheltered accommodation building 1,000 homes and extra care units for the future of our older people.
The economy I know many people are concerned about the economic situation, which is why we have set up two task forces. In the last four years, we have assisted 1,421 people into work, helped 466 new businesses and developed council services to make sure business prospers. We also have very ambitious plans for the next four years, including a ‘multiversity’ on the North Bank of the Tyne and the regeneration of that whole area. This will include around 1,000 new homes in Wallsend, a new swimming pool, retail growth and the rejuvenation of local parks. This includes further development of the A19 highway and corridor creating greater access and jobs. My goal is a positive future for everyone. John Harrison Elected Mayor of North Tyneside 5
How to get in touch We want to make it easy for you to contact the council and that includes in person, online, by phone or email. In person You can visit one of our network of customer service centres, located throughout the borough. Staff can provide advice and information on a range of council services, including housing and benefit issues. Our main centres are at the White Swan Centre, Killingworth; Unicorn House, North Shields;The John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley;Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay and Park Road,Wallsend.
Online The council website - www.northtyneside.gov.uk - contains plenty of information on a range of subjects. You can apply for planning permission, pay your council tax or report an incident of graffiti or vandalism. You can also find the date for a council meeting or see what’s on at our leisure centres - page after page is available at the click of a mouse.
By phone If you have a general enquiry, phone 0845 2000 101. Staff at our contact centre can provide assistance on a variety of subjects. (See page 2 for other key council numbers.)
Email You can contact the council via: contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk
6
North Tyneside Council
What you will pay this year Most homes are subject to Council Tax.There is one bill per home and it makes no difference if it is owner occupied or rented out. The Valuation Office Agency, not the council, allocates a valuation band to every home in North Tyneside.The banding is based on the value of your home at April 1, 1991. The property is then placed into one of eight bands. The council uses the valuation banding to work out your Council Tax bill. Your bill shows which band applies to your home. The tax levels for 2009/10 are listed below.
COUNCILTAX TAX BANDS COUNCIL BANDS Tax Band
Proportion of Band D
Value Range
A B C D E F G H
up to £40,000 £ 40,001 - £ 52,000 £ 52,001 - £ 68,000 £ 68,001 - £ 88,000 £ 88,001 - £120,000 £120,001 - £160,000 £160,001 - £320,000 Over £320,000
6/9 7/9 8/9 9/9 11/9 13/9 15/9 18/9
Single Adult Council Council Tax Per cent Tax (25% Discount) Increase £ £ 966.73 1,127.86 1,288.97 1,450.10 1,772.35 2,094.59 2,416.83 2,900.21
725.05 845.90 966.73 1,087.58 1,329.26 1,570.94 1,812.62 2,175.16
2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
Your total Council Tax bill is made up of the following elements: North Tyneside Council Valuation Bands (2.48% Increase) A B C 864.18 1,008.22 1,152.24
D 1,296.28
E 1,584.34
F 1,872.40
G 2,160.46
H 2,592.56
Northumbria Police Authority Valuation Bands (3.90% Increase) A 54.22
B 63.25
C 72.29
D 81.32
E 99.40
F 117.47
G 135.54
H 162.65
Tyne & Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority Valuation Bands (1.24% Increase) A 48.33
B 56.39
C 64.44
D 72.50
E 88.61
F 104.72
G 120.83
H 145.00
G 2,416.83
H 2,900.21
Total Council Tax (2.50% Increase) A B C 966.73 1,127.86 1,288.97
D 1,450.10
E 1,772.35
F 2,094.59
7
Ambition Ambition for the borough to ensure opportunities for everyone to have a great future. During 2008/09 we …
8
●
Helped students in the borough’s schools to achieve improved pass rates at both A-level and GCSE exams.
●
Enabled hundreds of older residents to enjoy their gardens through our garden care scheme.
●
Launched the Families Information Service, which provides advice and guidance for parents, carers and young people on a range of subjects.
●
Helped residents to access benefits worth more than £1m through the Warmzone scheme, which tackles fuel poverty and cuts energy bills.
Taking shape: The new £20m Monkseaton High School nears completion.
During 2009/10 we will … ●
●
Begin work to provide five skills and enterprise centres for 14 to 19 year-olds and adults. The centres will provide a pathway to improved skills and higher education. Replace timber doors and windows in our council homes with new PVCu ones. This will significantly improve security and energy efficiency.
●
Continue with our multi-million pound programme to transform the borough’s primary and secondary schools.
●
Develop plans to provide around 1,000 homes in the Wallsend area through PFI funding. The project will include a mix of homes for rent and private housing.
9
Growth Creating economic growth supported by a growing population, strong infrastructure, developing employment opportunities and a resilient local economy. During 2008/09 we …
10
●
Started work on a £4m scheme to provide a new bridge across Wallsend Dene. The bridge is due to open in the next few weeks.
●
Completed renovation work on the landmark buildings project on the North Shields Fish Quay bringing derelict properties back into use for local businesses.
●
Started work on the refurbishment of Whitley Bay Playhouse. We also completed the Waves leisure centre, skatepark and play park.
●
We opened the John Willie Sams customer service centre in Dudley.
£8m scheme: An artist’s impression of the new-look Whitley Bay Playhouse.
During 2009/10 we will … ●
Develop a co-ordinated borough-wide strategy for the regeneration of our retail centres, with an emphasis on North Shields in the south east, Forest Hall and Killingworth in the north west,Wallsend in the south west and Whitley Bay and Whitley Lodge in the north east.
●
Continue working with our partners to develop inward investment – attracting major employers and creating more diverse job opportunities.
●
Develop a strategic framework for the regeneration of the North Bank of the Tyne, from Walker in Newcastle to Smith’s Dock in North Shields.The project has the potential to provide thousands of jobs.
●
Work with Nexus to introduce community-based bus services in each of the four areas of the borough - providing better access to key services and leisure opportunities. 11
Quality of life Improving our services to make the daily experience of living in North Tyneside the best in the country. Providing cleaner, greener, safer neighbourhoods, with plenty of places to go and things to do. During 2008/09 we … ●
●
12
Launched our first Big Spring Clean campaign, which featured 30 community clean-ups and removed more than 1,200 tonnes of rubbish from our streets and open spaces.The initiative has now become an annual campaign. Served 10 anti-social behaviour injunctions to protect residents.
●
Planted more than 190,000 summer bedding plants and 275,000 spring bedding plants and bulbs.
●
Launched the North Tyneside Year of Sport, which aims to get as many residents as possible involved in sport and physical activity.
Joining in: Young and old alike have taken part in the Big Spring Clean campaign.
During 2009/10 we will … ●
Complete the roll-out of new wheeled recycling bins, which are easier to use and store more material, to around 87,000 homes in the borough.
●
Begin work on providing 100 extra youth and play facilities, including four area-based youth centres, across the borough over the next four years.
●
Start the regeneration of the borough’s main four parks Wallsend Parks, Northumberland Park, Churchill Playing Fields and Killingworth Lakes Park.
●
Continue with our safer streets project to introduce 20mph zones in residential areas and around schools.
13
Value for money Getting the best value for North Tyneside to deliver the best quality and performance at the optimum cost. During 2008/09 we …
14
●
Were awarded three stars the highest possible rating for our Adult Social Care service in a government performance assessment.
●
Launched our 5-50-500 environmental campaign, which includes carrying out energy efficiency audits on five council buildings.
●
Opened our new customer service centre at Unicorn House, North Shields - the latest in a network of centres delivering a range of council services under one roof.
●
Achieved efficiency savings of more than £6.8m - without reducing effectiveness - that can be invested back into better frontline services.
Three stars: John Harrison joins staff and residents at Dorset House to celebrate the council’s Adult Social Care rating.
During 2009/10 we will … ●
●
Give adults who require additional support from the council more choice and control over the care packages they receive. Service users will be offered a personal budget that will indicate the funding available to meet their needs. Launch the Young North Tynesider scheme that will enable children and young people to access retail discounts, library and leisure services and concessionary travel through one handy card.
●
Continue the process of moving staff into our headquarters at the Cobalt Business Park increasing efficiency and allowing the disposal of surplus properties.
●
Continue with our Value for Money programme, which is set to save more than £100m over the next five years. 15
Closer To be the best local authority at working with its communities so that everyone is valued and everyone benefits. During 2008/09 we … ●
●
16
Worked with older people in shaping plans for the £100m Homes for the Future scheme, which will provide 23 new sheltered housing schemes plus a cluster of bungalows. Invited representatives from various organisations, including the police, voluntary groups and the business community, to sit alongside cabinet members and contribute to discussions.
●
Worked with young people, including skateboarders and rollerbladers, to design and build a new skatepark for Whitley Bay.
●
Developed our community engagement framework, which includes the residents’ panel and regular ‘area futures’ events.
Trailblazers: Members of Burradon and Camperdown Forum signed one of the borough’s first community agreements.
During 2009/10 we will … ●
Work with the borough’s new Young Mayor - the first in Tyne and Wear. The role of the successful candidate will be to make sure the views of young people are listened to and acted on.
●
Develop neighbourhood agreements with every community in the borough setting out delivery standards for the council and key partners and what is expected from residents.
●
Introduce a participatory budgeting scheme allowing communities to have a say in the work being carried out to improve local roads and pavements.
●
Work closer with members of the business community to improve the borough’s economic prospects and ensure North Tyneside is seen as a place where businesses can prosper. 17
Where your money goes How the money is spent 2009/10 £120m Ambition £5m
Growth
£146m Quality of Life £6m
Value for Money & Corporate Resources
Where it comes from 2009/10 £82m
Council Tax
£71m
Business Rates
£16m
Revenue Support Grant
£108m Dedicated Schools Grant Summary of Capital Expenditure 2009-2019 £505m Ambition £96m
Growth
£38m
Quality of Life
£42m
Value for Money & Corporate Resources
Summary of Capital Financing 2009-2019 £173m Borrowing £60m
Capital Receipts
£332m Grants £104m Major Repairs Allowance
18
£10m
Revenue Contribution (HRA)
£2m
Strategic Reserve
North Tyneside Council budget 2008/09 Gross Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
2009/10 Gross Expenditure £000s
Net Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
Net Expenditure £000s
EXPENDITURE 35,573
20,524
15,049
326
0
326
75,214
38,914
36,300
14,942
8,347
6,595
Central Services
16,030
34,407
18,377
327
0
327
Cultural, Environment and Planning Services
63,366
22,915
40,451
Highways, Road and Transport Services
16,510
8,083
8,427
Court Services
110,576
69,319
41,257
Children and Education Services
112,607
69,463
43,144
93,825
37,029
56,796
Adult Social Care
97,329
41,383
55,946
54,778
53,418
1,360
Housing Services
54,000
53,418
582
------------
------------
------------
------------
------------
------------
385,234
227,551
157,683
378,546
213,639
164,907
------------
------------
------------
------------
------------
------------
TOTAL SERVICE EXPENDITURE
3,026CR
Capital Appropriations Account
3,290
Contingencies
12,679
Levies
1,444CR 1,000 12,972
5,038CR ------------
Contribution to Balances and Reserves
8,443CR ------------
165,588
TOTAL GENERAL FUND NET EXPENDITURE
168,992
------------
105,034
------------
Dedicated Schools Grant
------------
270,622
107,725 ------------
TOTAL COUNCIL NET EXPENDITURE
------------
276,717 ------------
SOURCES OF FINANCE 520 79,874 10,411 105,034 74,783
Collection Fund Adjustments Cost Borne by Council Tax Payers Revenue Support Grant Dedicated Schools Grant Collection from Business Rates Pool
------------
270,622
394 81,968 16,246 107,725 70,384 ------------
TOTAL FINANCING
------------
276,717 ------------
ESTIMATED FINANCIAL RESERVES AT YEAR END 47,782
General Fund Reserves
99,137
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
6,370 £ 12,448,547 122,003 58,121 49,953 12,678,624
EMPLOYEES (FULL TIME EQUIVALENT) Levies Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority Environment Agency Tyne Port Health Authority Northumbria Sea Fisheries Total Levies
39,339 122,466 6,385 £ 12,710,316 146,290 58,121 56,982 12,971,709
19
Becoming more efficient All councils are required to measure and report the value of efficiency savings they have achieved since April 2008. An efficiency saving occurs when the cost of an activity falls, but its effectiveness is not reduced. The table below shows the value of efficiency savings forecast to be achieved by the end of March 2009: By March 2009 North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority
£6,833,000 £1,028,000
To put these figures into perspective, the efficiency savings forecast to be achieved by March 2009 represent: ● ●
3.1% of North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council spending in 2007-08 1.8% of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority’s spending in 2007-08
The table below shows the value of gains forecast to be achieved by March 2009 for the average Band D dwelling and compares that with the average figure for similar authorities across England:
North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority
Saving per Band D dwelling
National average for similar authorities
£109 £3
£110 £2
Each year, councils are assessed by the Audit Commission on their use of resources and given a score out of 4 (4 being “performing strongly” and 1 being “inadequate performance”). In March 2009, North Tyneside Council scored 3, recognising the strong performance of the council in making efficiency savings and improving services.
20
Telephone: (0191) 643 2355 or you can complete a Direct Debit instruction on line by visiting
www.northtyneside.gov.uk/CouncilTax You can pick when you want the payments to be taken. Choose from the 1st, 8th, 15th and 25th. If you choose the 8th or 25th you can elect to pay either 10 (April to January) or 12 instalments (April to March). You can also choose to have a ‘payment holiday’ in August and December if you pay on the 15th of the month and make a payment in each of the other 10 months between April and March.
Working closer with communities
21
Other ways to pay your Council Tax By Personal Visit Payment can be made in person at any of the council’s customer service centres. (See page 6)
By Debit or Credit Card You can pay your bill by Maestro, Solo, Delta, MasterCard or Visa, either: ■ ■
online at www.northtyneside.gov.uk/payments or by telephoning 0845 2000 107 - please have your card details and council tax account number ready when you call.
At any PayPoint Outlet or Post Office Simply take your plastic payment card along to any PayPoint outlet or Post Office.
By Post Postal payments should be sent to the Council at PO Box 694, North Shields, NE27 9AF. Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to ‘North Tyneside Council’. Cash sent by post must be registered otherwise the council will not accept liability for any deficiency. Please ensure you enclose the appropriate instalment slip from your bill when sending in your payment. A receipt for a payment received by post will only be issued if you ask for one.
By Bank Giro Credit Payments can be made at any bank by completing the appropriate instalment slip and presenting it, together with your payment, to the cashier. Please note that a bank may charge you a fee for providing this service.
By Bankers Standing Order To pay by standing order, please send an email to: team.revenue@northtyneside.gov.uk stating that you wish to pay by this method. You will then be sent the appropriate form for you to complete and hand in to your bank or building society.
Other Methods The council also accepts payment of Council Tax by weekly instalments at customer service centres.
For more details about methods of payment, telephone 0845 2000 104 or email: team.revenue@northtyneside.gov.uk 22
Benefits, exemptions and discounts
How to claim them Council Tax Benefit Scheme
Appeals
Council Tax Benefit ensures that people in receipt of income support, and without non-dependents in the household, will normally pay no Council Tax.
You can appeal against your Council Tax bill if you consider that you are not liable to pay the amount you have been charged. This may be because you are not the owner or do not live in the property, or because the property is exempt, or the council has made a mistake when calculating your bill.
Other people on low incomes may also receive help to enable them to pay their bill. You can claim benefit by: ■
■
telephoning our Contact Centre on 0845 2000 104 and asking for a form to be sent out to you or by collecting a form from any customer service centre, (see page 6).
Completed forms should be returned to any customer service centre. Don’t delay in making a claim. In normal circumstances, the council can only pay benefit from the Monday immediately following the day your claim is received.
If you wish to appeal, you must write to the council so that it has the opportunity to reconsider your case. Making an appeal does not allow you to withhold payment. If your appeal is successful any overpaid tax will be returned to you. For more details on the appeals process, write to: Team Revenue, North Tyneside Council PO Box 694, North Shields, NE27 9AF or email: team.revenue@northtyneside.gov.uk
Benefit fraud
housing and People caught making false claims for n jailed. eve council tax benefit may be fined or ing a false Anyone who suspects a person of mak fidence. con benefit claim can ring the hotline in Don’t ignore it,
REPORT IT
Fraud hotline 643 2300 23
Benefits, exemptions and discounts
How to claim them - continued Exempt Dwellings Some dwellings are exempt from Council Tax. Exemption applies to properties which: ■
■
■
■
■
■ ■
■ ■
■
■
24
■
■
are unfurnished (exempt for up to six months)
■
are vacant and owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months)
■
are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished and require, or are undergoing, structural alteration or major repair (exempt for up to six months after completion of works or for twelve months in total, whichever is the shorter period) are left empty by someone who has gone into prison, or who has moved to receive personal care in a hospital or a home or elsewhere are left empty by someone who has moved in order to provide personal care to another person are left empty by students are vacant following the death of the occupier and where relatives are waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted (and for up to six months after) have been repossessed by a mortgagee are the responsibility of a bankrupt’s trustee are empty because to live in them is forbidden by law are waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
■
■
are a pitch for a caravan or a mooring for a boat which has been left empty are occupied only by people under 18 years of age are unoccupied annexes which cannot be let separately from the main dwelling are occupied only by people who are severely mentally impaired or who are students are occupied by a person liable for Council Tax who benefits from diplomatic immunity are the home of a dependent relative of a person living in a dwelling within the same single property.
Forces barracks and married quarters are also exempt; their occupants contribute to the cost of local services through a special arrangement. If you think your property may be exempt, contact any one of the council’s customer service centres (see page 6) or telephone 0845 2000 104. You can also download the appropriate application form from our website at: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ counciltax/change_circs.htm If your bill shows that an exemption has been allowed, you must tell the council of any change of circumstances which affects your entitlement. If you fail to do so, you may be required to pay a financial penalty.
Discounts The full Council Tax bill assumes that there are a minimum of two adults living in a dwelling. An adult is defined as a person aged 18 or over. If only one adult lives in a dwelling, the Council Tax bill is reduced by a quarter (25 per cent). If no one lives in a property, and it is unfurnished, the bill is reduced by half (50 per cent).Where the property is no one’s sole or main residence, but it is furnished, the bill is reduced by a tenth (10 per cent). People in the groups listed below do not count towards the number of adults treated as living at a property: ■
■ ■
■ ■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
full-time students, non-British spouses of students, student nurses, apprentices earning no more than £195 per week and Youth Training trainees patients living in a hospital
If you think you may be entitled to a discount, contact any one of the council’s customer service centres (see page 6) or telephone 0845 2000 104.
people who are being looked after in care homes
You can also download the appropriate application form from our website at:
people who are severely mentally impaired people staying in certain hostels or night shelters 18 and 19 year-olds who are at, or have just left, school careworkers working for no more than £44 per week people caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18
www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ counciltax/change_circs.htm
If your bill shows that a discount has been allowed, you must tell the council of any change of circumstances which affects your entitlement. If you fail to do so you may be required to pay a financial penalty.
members of visiting forces and certain international institutions diplomats, or people who benefit from diplomatic immunity, and certain of their household members members of religious communities (monks and nuns) people in prison (except those in prison for non-payment of Council Tax or a fine). 25
Benefits, exemptions and discounts
How to claim them - continued People with Disabilities If you or someone who lives with you needs a room, or an extra bathroom or kitchen, or extra space in your property to meet special needs arising from a disability, you may be entitled to a reduced Council Tax bill. This may apply, for example, to a room used to house a kidney dialysis machine or to store wheelchairs. The bill may be reduced to that of a property in the band immediately below the band for your property. Special rules extend this form of relief to properties in Band A. Broadly speaking, these rules give a person with a disability living in a Band A property the same level of help as those persons living in a property with a higher band. For further details of this scheme, contact any one of the council’s customer service centres (see page 6) or telephone 0845 2000 104. You can also download the appropriate application form from our website at: www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ counciltax/change_circs.htm If your home has any special fixtures added for a disabled resident, which reduce the value of your home, and you do not think they have been taken into account in the valuation band given to your home, you should contact the Valuation Office Agency at the following address: Eagle Star House, Regent Centre Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3TW Telephone: (0191) 220 7000
26
Data Protection The information provided to the council by taxpayers, ratepayers, benefit claimants and other interested parties will be used for administering and collecting Council Tax and business rates, and for processing claims for Housing and Council Tax benefit. This information may also be used as part of any exercise to make sure you are receiving all the benefits, discounts and exemptions to which you are entitled. We may also use this information, where appropriate, for the effective and efficient administration of the council’s official business including the operation of any system used to manage our relationships with our customers. We must protect the public money we handle, therefore we can use the information to detect and prevent fraud and to collect debts due to the council. For the same reasons, we may exchange information with other organisations who also handle public money. The information we hold may also be verified with external agencies.
Querying your Council Tax band If you have a query about your Council Tax banding or have reason to believe your Council Tax band may be wrong, please contact Newcastle Valuation Office, part of the Valuation Office Agency, the government organisation responsible for allocating a council tax band to every home. Tel: (0191) 220 7000 Email: newcastlegroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk Eagle Star House, Regent Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3TW. Further information about council tax banding is also available on the Valuation Office Agency website at www.voa.gov.uk. If, after raising your query with the agency, you still believe your banding is incorrect; you may be able to make a formal appeal but only under limited circumstances. Generally you can only appeal within SIX MONTHS of: ■ ■
Becoming a new council taxpayer for a property The agency notifying you that your banding has changed
You can also appeal at any time if: ■ ■
■
Your property has been demolished Physical changes have occurred in the proximity of the property, which have an effect on the April 1, 1991 market value Your property has been adapted to make the property suitable for someone with a disability.
For a full list of circumstances when a valid appeal is permitted visit www.voa.gov.uk or contact Newcastle Valuation Office on (0191) 220 7000.
You must continue to pay your Council Tax bill while you have any banding query or appeal pending. 27
Northumbria Police Authority budget 2008/09 Gross Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
2009/10 Net Expenditure £000s
Gross Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
Net Expenditure £000s
EXPENDITURE
323,770
49,448
274,322
-----------323,770 ------------
-----------49,448 ------------
------------
274,322 -----------3,500
Police General NET EXPENDITURE
339,445
54,322
285,123
-----------339,445 ------------
-----------54,322 ------------
------------
Contingencies
------------
277,822 ------------
285,123 -----------0 ------------
BUDGET REQUIREMENT
285,123 ------------
SOURCES OF FINANCE
33,775
Precept Income
35,085
243,839
Formula Grant
249,935
208
Constituent Authorities Net Surplus
------------
277,822 ------------
32,843 6,533
The changes in spending from 2008/09 are due to:
£m Inflation and other changes
+ 1.955
Net Service Increases
+ 6.151
Increased other Income
28
- 0.805 _______ +_______ 7.301
103 ------------
TOTAL FINANCING
Estimated Loans Outstanding at PREVIOUS YEAR END (ie, 31/3/07 and 31/3/08) EMPLOYEES (FULL TIME EQUIVALENT)
285,123 ------------
32,838 6,738
Northumbria Police Authority covers the counties of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland precepting directly on the collection funds of the Local Authorities within its areas. For 2009/10 the Police Authority budgeted expenditure has been set at £285.123 million. This is £7.301 million higher than 2008/09, and a 2.63% increase on the 2008/09 budget. The Northumbria Police Authority will employ 6,738 full time staff in 2009/10, an increase of 205 on 2008/09. The Police budget for 2009/10 will ensure a continuation of the existing level of service, including the full year effect of the pay award and the growth proposals approved and implemented during 2008/09. The revenue budget also includes growth of £5.317 million and efficiencies of £2.035 million, resulting in net growth of £3.282 million.
Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Authority budget 2008/09 Gross Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
2009/10 Net Expenditure £000s
Gross Expenditure £000s
Income £000s
Net Expenditure £000s
EXPENDITURE
64,969
6,197
58,772
554
554
0
-----------65,523 ------------
-----------6,751 ------------
------------
58,772
Fire Services Emergency Planning NET EXPENDITURE
------------
851 1,550CR
64,654
6,431
574
574
0
-----------65,228 ------------
-----------7,005 ------------
------------
Contingencies
58,223 ------------
491
Use of Balances
0 ------------
------------
58,073
58,223
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
58,714
------------
-----------SOURCES OF FINANCE
23,159 4,246 30,500 168
Precept Income
23,438
Revenue Support Grant
6,598
Contributions from Business Rates Pool Collection Funds Net Surplus
92
------------
58,073
-----------TOTAL FINANCING
58,714
------------
3,337 19,219 2,027
28,586
-----------ESTIMATED FINANCIAL RESERVES AT YEAR END Estimated Loans Outstanding at PREVIOUS YEAR END (ie, 31/3/07 and 31/3/08) CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority comprises members from each of the five districts of Tyne and Wear County and is responsible for running our fire brigade and for emergency planning. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority will spend £58.714 million this financial year. This is £0.641 million higher than 2008/09, and a 1.1% increase on the 2008/09 budget. The contribution to fire fighting is £23.26 each for everyone in North Tyneside. This is an overall sum of £4,584,393 which is equivalent to £72.50 per Band D Council Tax payer.
3,337 19,089 2,110
The changes in spending from 2008/09 are due to:
£m Uniformed Pay Inflation + 0.770 Non-Uniformed Pay Inflation + 0.170 Other Growth + 0.891 (Including General Price Inflation) Pension Savings - 0.280 Capital Grant - 0.200 Efficiency Savings - 0.710 ________ + 0.641 ________ 29
Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority budget 2008/09
2009/10
£000s
£000s
5,499 10 4,278 99,941 _______ 109,728 _______
5,843 0 4,113 102,218 _______ 112,174 _______
15,314 724 _______ 16,038 _______
14,595 114 _______ 14,709 _______
9,805
8,752
Less: Utilise PTA reserves Less: Contribution from NEXUS Reserves
(97) 0 _______
948 1,595 _______
Expenditure Requirement Less: Rail Grant and Miscellaneous Grants
103,592 34,161 _______
103,674 33,028 _______
Levy on Authorities
69,431 _______
70,646 _______
EXPENDITURE Tyne Tunnel New Tyne Crossing PTA Expenditure Grant to NEXUS Total Gross Expenditure
INCOME Tyne Tunnel Interest on Revenue balances Total Income Add contribution to Tyne Tunnel reserves
The changes between 2008/09 and 2009/10 are due to the following:
£m
30
Inflation and other Cost Pressures Decrease in PTA/ Tyne Tunnel Toll Income
+ 0.169
Increase in Grant to Nexus
+ 2.277
Contribution from Reserves Reduction in Rail and Miscellaneous Grant
- 3.693
+ 1.329
+ 1.133 ________ + 1.215 ________
The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority is responsible for co-ordinating policy on all functions relating to public transport and for operating the Tyne Tunnels. It comprises members of each of the five district councils of Tyne and Wear. North Tyneside Council’s general fund budget includes a levy from the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority. In 2009/10 this levy amounts to £12,710,316 which represents an increase of 2.1% compared with the 2008/09 levy. The Passenger Transport Authority makes an annual grant to the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (NEXUS) in respect of revenue support and concessionary travel.
Environment Agency Flood Defence The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood defence along 1,642km of main river, along with tidal and sea defences, in the area of the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee.
2008/09
2009/10
£000s
£000s
9,237
11,639
7,521CR
9,684CR
Less Transfer from balances
174
105
Levy on Authorities
1,542
1,850
Gross Expenditure Income (including Government Grant Aid)
North Tyneside Council will pay a levy of £146,290 to the Environment Agency in 2009/10.
Key Statistics North Tyneside Council
2009/10 Cost £000s
2009/10 Change %
Amount per head £
Total Expenditure
276,717
+ 2.25%
1,404.06
Revenue Support Grant Income
16,246
+ 56.05%
82.43
Income from Business Rates Pool
70,384
- 5.88%
357.13
Collection Fund Adjustment
394
- 24.23%
2.00
Cost borne by Council Tax Payers
81,968
+ 2.62%
415.91
Dedicated Schools Grant Income
107,725
+ 2.56%
546.59
Population
197,083
+ 0.43%
N/A
31
NTC Design March 09 | 1977