Council Tax explained 2014 - 2015

www.wirral.gov.uk 2 Manage your account online using our e-citizen service at www.wirral.gov.uk/ecitizen Council Tax Benefits • Pay by Direct Debit • View any correspondence sent • View payment details • Landlords can check payments • View your bill and sign up for NNDR e-billing • View payment details and • Change your address correspondence

Contents

• Council Tax Valuation Bands 04 • Your Council Tax 05 • How does Council Tax work? 07 • Your Council Tax Demand 10 • Supporting Other Services 12 - Recycling & Waste Authority 12 - Environment Agency 13 - Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority 14 - Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority 16 - Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside 18 • How to contact us 20

Introduction

This booklet forms part of your facilities, street lighting, youth centres, Council Tax bill and explains how the supporting the elderly and much more. Council Tax is arrived at and how the It also contributes to Police, Fire Council raises and spends its income. and Rescue Services, the disposal of Council Tax is the local tax which household waste and public transport. helps to pay for local services. It This booklet gives general information represents part of the Council’s income and should not be treated as an which it needs to meet expenditure authoritative statement of the law. If after taking account of income it you do not understand something in it receives from other sources. Your or need further information, please Council Tax helps to pay for local contact the Council (contact details on services such as sport and leisure back cover). 3 Council Tax Valuation Bands

Wirral Council has set a Council Tax charge for each band of dwelling as shown below for the year ending 31 March 2015. The charge comprises the following items:

Council Range of Values Proportion Council Tax Band to Band D Tax Payable Band A up to & inc. £40,000 6/9 £1003.30 Band B £40,001 - £52,000 7/9 £1170.52 Band C £52,001 - £68,000 8/9 £1337.74 Band D £68,001 - £88,000 1 £1504.96 Band E £88,001 - £120,000 11/9 £1839.40 Band F £120,001 - £160,000 13/9 £2173.83 Band G £160,001 - £320,000 15/9 £2508.26 Band H more than £320,000 2 £3009.92

The amount of Council Tax charged for changes in the housing market since each band depends upon the tax set then will not affect its valuation. for Band D. All Council Tax valuations You may inspect the updated Council are based on the price that a property Tax Banding List on the Directgov would have fetched if it had been sold website at www.direct.gov.uk . on 1st April 1991. The movement in general prices Any increase or fall in a property’s will not be a reason for changing your value which results from general Council Tax band.

How to Pay Instalments can now be paid over Cash/Cheque: Payments can be made 12 months ending in March of the at our cashier’s office in the Conway current financial year. Centre, Birkenhead. Cheques can be Direct Debit is the most efficient way posted to the address on the back to pay with four dates to choose from; cover of this booklet. They should be 5, 12, 20 & 28th. Call 0151 606 2002 made payable to ‘Wirral Borough or visit any One Stop Shop for details. Council’ and must have your account Alternatively, complete an online reference on the back. form at www.wirral.gov.uk/counciltax Formal verification of identity will Credit or Debit Card: Payments be needed for any cash payments of can be taken on our website £1000.00 and above – failure to www.wirral.gov.uk/wirralpay or provide necessary identity will result you can call our automated phone in the payment not being accepted. line at any time on 0151 606 2345 .

4 Your Council Tax

Council Tax Council Tax 10 12 Band Payable instalments instalments

Band A £1003.30 £100.00 £83.00 Band B £1170.52 £117.00 £97.00 Band C £1337.74 £133.00 £111.00 Band D £1504.96 £150.00 £125.00 Band E £1839.40 £183.00 £153.00 Band F £2173.83 £217.00 £181.00 Band G £2508.26 £250.00 £209.00 Band H £3009.92 £300.00 £250.00 The first instalment will have a rounding element included

Financial Summary Total Council Tax Requirements £ How spending has changed £m 230,482,265 Budget Requirement 2013-2014 289.49 Levies Transport 29,433,000 Savings and efficiencies (40.80) Waste Authority 15,085,409 Levies (0.53) Flood Defence 163,358 Reduced contribution from Port Health 128,500 balances 10.6 Sea Fisheries 64,114 Price inflation 3.99 Total for Levies 44,874,381 Pay awards & Pension Costs 3.80 Precepts Increased capital financing costs 1.70 Police & Crime Commission 13,749,950 Reduction in external funding 1.72 Fire and Rescue 6,151,179 Increased demand for adult Total for Precepts 19,901,129 social care 1.83 Increased demand for child Total Requirement 295,257,775 care services 1.17 Less Changes to local taxation 1.17 Revenue Support Grant (88,826,281) Homeless, Benefits Advise & IT 0.44 Business Rates Baseline (32,035,776) Constituency committees & Top Up (40,512,779) Economic Strategy 0.40 Total External Support (163,143,045) Selective Licencing of Landlords 0.36 Other variations 0.46 Net Requirement 132,114,730 Budget requirement Tax Base for Band D 87,786.2 2014-2015 275.36 Council Tax for Band D 1,504.96

5 How the Council spends money on its own services (in gross terms)

2014-15 £769m a) Capital b) Levies c) Employees d) Running expenses a) 60m b) 45m c) 150m d) 514m

£769m 2014-15 a) Chief Executive b) Families & Wellbeing Children & Young People c) Families & Wellbeing Adult Services d) Families & Wellbeing e) Regeneration & Environment f) Transformation & Resources a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) g) Corporate Growth 35m 130m 142m 234m 126m 116m 16m -30m h) Corporate Savings

General Fund Expenditure 2012-13 (£m) 2013-14 (£m) 2014-15 (£m) 828.28 Gross Expenditure 773.40 769.10 (106.92) Gross Income (99.11) (98.19) (429.82) Specific Government Grants (372.52) (395.55) 281.54 Net Operating Requirement 301.77 275.36 2.44 Use of reserves and general balances (10.16) 0.00 279.10 Net Budget Requirement 291.61 275.36 Less: (144.74) Revenue Support Grant/ Non Domestic Rates Start up funding assessment Grants: RSG (106.97) (88.83) Top Up (39.74) (40.51) New Homes Bonus (2.12) (1.77) Local Taxation: Business Rates Baseline (31.42) (32.04) (1.45) Surplus on Collection Fund 132.91 Council Tax Requirement 111.36 112.21 Add Precepts: 15.97 Police and Crime Commission 13.39 13.64 7.15 Fire and Rescue 5.98 6.15 156.03 Total Council Tax Requirement 130.73 132.00

6 How does Council Tax work?

Your Council Tax Explained Unoccupied properties 2014 - 2015 CLASS B: owned by a charity and has been unoccupied for a period of less Council Tax is made up of a property that 6 months. element and a personal element. CLASS D: left unoccupied by a person The property element is a tax on in detention (except for non-payment dwellings where people live, including of Council Tax). domestic properties such as houses, CLASS E: left unoccupied by a person flats and living accommodation in part who is a permanent resident in a of a commercial property e.g. a flat hospital or nursing home. above a shop. Each dwelling is given a CLASS F: where the last occupier was a value or a band (see page 4) and the sole adult who has died and probate has Council sets the charge against each either yet to be granted or has been band. The personal element of the tax granted for a period of less than 6 relates to the assumption that two months . Please note, exemption only adults live in a property. Discounts are applies if the deceased is the liable available, for example, if only one adult person for Council Tax. lives in a property. The amount you pay CLASS G: occupation is prohibited by law. may also be reduced if you are on a low CLASS H: unoccupied awaiting income or you have a disability. occupation by a minister of religion. CLASS I: unoccupied by a person Discounts receiving care elsewhere. Council Tax is calculated based on the CLASS J: unoccupied by a person assumption that two adults live in the providing care elsewhere. property. A 25% discount may be CLASS K: unoccupied property where awarded if there is one resident in the the owner is a student, who has left to property. For further information about live and study elsewhere. other discounts, please check out our CLASS L: unoccupied repossessed website at www.wirral.gov.uk or call property. 0151 606 2002 . CLASS Q: left unoccupied by a Empty properties not shown in the bankrupt following list will attract a full charge. CLASS R: unoccupied caravan pitch or Any properties empty for over 2 years boat mooring. not shown in the list will attract a CLASS T: unoccupied, but forms a part premium charge of 150%. of another dwelling which may not be let separately, i.e. a granny flat or annexe. Exemptions Certain occupied and unoccupied Occupied properties properties may be exempt from CLASS M: student hall of residence. Council Tax if they fall into one of the CLASS N: occupied solely by students. categories listed: CLASS O & P: armed forces, barracks, married quarters and accommodation for visiting forces.

7 CLASS S: occupied only by a person(s) People with disabilities under the age of 18. If you, or someone living with you, CLASS U: occupied solely by severely needs a room, an extra room (e.g. extra mentally impaired person(s). bathroom) due to a disability, or uses a CLASS V: occupied by diplomats and wheelchair indoors, you may be their non-British spouse. entitled to a reduced Council Tax bill. CLASS W: a separate unit within a This reduction aims to ensure that property, occupied by a dependant people with disabilities do not pay relative of the Council Tax payer who is more Council Tax on account of their resident in the main connected disability. If you qualify, your bill may be property i.e. granny flat or annexe . reduced. For an application form or further information please telephone You must tell us: 0151 666 3291 . • if you receive a bill and disagree that If your home has special fixtures for a you are liable to pay. Please return it resident with a disability and you believe right away telling us why you that they reduce the value of your home consider it to be incorrect and this has not been taken into • if you think you may be entitled to a consideration in your valuation band, discount or exemption and none is you should contact the Listing Officer shown on the bill (page 9). • if a discount or exemption is shown on your bill and you no longer qualify Council Tax Appeal System for it. Failure to do so could lead to You may appeal if you believe that you a financial penalty being made are not liable to pay Council Tax, for against you. example, if you are not the resident or owner, your property is exempt, or the If you tell us that there has been a Council Tax office has made a mistake change to your property and wish to in calculating your bill. If you wish to apply for a discount or exemption, we appeal, you must notify us in writing so will arrange for one of our inspectors to that we can reconsider the case. If you visit it and check. We will not accept a remain unhappy with our decision, or backdated claim that a property we do not reply to your letter within qualifies for a reduction where Wirral two months, you can appeal to: Council has not been given the opportunity to inspect the property, or The Clerk, Valuation Tribunal, you are unable to provide satisfactory Hepworth House, Unit 2, evidence to support your claim. Court, Doncaster DN1 1PN The Council has the power to reduce Tel: 0300 123 2035 Council Tax where national discounts and exemptions do not apply. Each case will be viewed on its merits, and we will only consider using this power in exceptional circumstances.

8 Appeals against banding are restricted to: • Second Adult Rebate will no longer • new taxpayers who can appeal within exist, except for pensioners. six months of becoming liable • new properties brought onto the The amount of Support you receive Valuation List depends upon: • properties which change to or from • Any income and savings you may have domestic use • The number of people who live in • properties which have a material your property increase such as an extension and a • The Council Tax band of your property change of ownership happens • properties which have a material If you are eligible for Council Tax decrease such as demolition of part Support, the amount awarded will be of the property shown on your new bill. Your bill and the amount to pay may also alter if your Valuation enquiries and appeals should circumstances change. You must tell us be addressed to: immediately of any change to your The Listing Officer, Council Tax North income, savings or the number of Valuation Office Agency, King William people in your household changes. House, Market Place, Hull HU1 1RT To apply for Council Tax Support you Tel: 0300 0501501 must complete an application form, by contacting us on 0151 606 2002 , or by Council Tax Support visit to a One Stop Shop or Library One The Council Tax Support scheme is Stop Shop, alternatively download an designed to help people on Department application from our website for Work Pension benefits or who have www.wirral.gov.uk . The evidence and low paid jobs or low incomes; its aim is verification requirements of the Council to also help and protect the most Tax Support scheme require proof of vulnerable in our community; our elderly identification, income and capital to be and our disabled/long term sick, in line provided in support of your application. with government guidelines. You must carry on paying the With the exception of pensioners and instalments shown on your Council Tax bill a number of vulnerable people, whilst an application is being considered. everyone who is of working age will be If your application is successful, you will be asked to pay for Council Tax. The key sent a new bill with revised instalments. features of Wirral’s scheme are: • Support up to a maximum of 78% Fraud hotline (except for people who fall into a Do you know or suspect that someone is protected group or are pensioners). claiming Housing or Council Tax Benefit • A standard non-dependant deduction or Job Seekers allowance fraudulently? of £11.25 per week (Standard If so, contact us on our free fraud deductions for protected working hotline: 0800 731 5783 or email: age claimants and pensioners) [email protected] . • Capital amount limited to £6,000 You can speak to an officer in (£16,000 for pensioners and those in confidence between 9am and 5pm, protected groups) or leave a message on our answer • No backdate claims for working age machine at other times. people, so you must claim on time. 9 Your Council Tax Demand

Detailed below are some of the Q What is the pensioner discount and questions most frequently asked by qualifying criteria for 2014/15? customers when they receive their A This is a Local Discount awarded by Council Tax demand. These may assist the Council since 2007. The discount you when you read the demand for is reviewed on an annual basis by your 2014/15 liability. the Council. From 1/4/2014, to qualify all Q I pay by direct debit why have you occupants must be aged 70 or over, sent me a bill? resident in a Band A-D property and A We are obliged to send you a not in receipt of 100% Council Tax demand each year to show you what support. The % discount is 5% of the the amount is to pay, how much we net total charge. will collect each month and when. Applications can be obtained by You do not need to do anything. ringing 0151 606 2002 , by visiting a One Stop Shops or you can Q Why are partial bank details shown download an application form via the on the demand? Wirral website at www.wirral.gov.uk . A A Some of our customers apply to If you have been granted a pay by direct debit by completing a Pensioner Discount, it will be shown mandate form, and others supply on your Council Tax bill; you do not their bank details over the phone. As need to re-apply. such, banking guidelines request If you received a received a that we detail the sort code and Pensioner reduction in previous years bank account number, from which and are resident in a Band E-H we will deduct Council Tax payments property, then for 2014/15 you no each month. As an added security longer qualify for this local discount. feature, we have encrypted all, but the last four digits of your bank Q Can I pay over 12 monthly account number. instalments? A Council Tax Regulations allow for Q Has my bill been reduced by 25% payment of the 2014/15 Council Tax as I live alone? liability to be paid in 10 instalments A If you have requested a single person’s or a maximum of 12 instalments. If discount and it has been awarded, you wish to pay in 12 instalments, then it will be detailed on the demand. (April 2014 to March 2015), the April If you have not been awarded a instalment must be paid as detailed single persons discount, and you are on your Council Tax bill and a the sole adult occupant, then please request made by contacting by contact me by telephoning my Call telephone on 0151 606 2002 , visit Centre on 0151 606 2002 , visit to a to a One Stop Shop, letter or email One Stop Shop, letter or email [email protected] , so we [email protected] can send a new notice with revised instalments to March 2015.

10 Q What happens if I don’t pay as Q What is the Council Tax charge for requested? empty properties? A A If payment is not made as A The Government removed some requested on your bill, a reminder exemptions previously given to notice will be sent to you. If payment Empty Properties and replaced them continues to be made late or not at with Discounts. The amount of all, then you will lose the right to pay discount that can be charged, by instalments. Any further payment subject to certain limitations is up to that is not made as requested will each Council to decide and reviewed result in the issue of a summons annually. From 1.4.2013 Wirral which will incur costs that you are Council decided that the following legally liable to pay; this includes would apply, which will continue for late payment. The Council Tax 2014/15 regulations are being followed, and • Properties classified as Class D our recovery procedures are prompt. (Empty Uninhabitable/Major Works). If payment is not made in full A full Council Tax charge (100%) will including Summons costs by the be payable. Court Hearing date, we will apply for • Properties classified as Class C a Liability order, plus additional (Empty Unoccupied and costs, which enables alternative unfurnished). A full Council Tax methods of recovery to be taken if charge (100%) will be payable from we are not able to agree an the date the property became arrangement. The recovery action unfurnished. includes, deductions direct from • Second Homes (properties that are your salary, deductions from JSA, no-one's main residence) and Income Support or ESA bankruptcy properties which are unoccupied and proceedings, charging orders or furnished will pay a full Council Tax referral to an Enforcement Agent. charge (100%). Please note that from 6th April 2014, new enforcement regulations ** After a period of two years has will come into force, which will replace elapsed from the date that a current bailiff regulations. property became empty and Additional information can be unfurnished, an empty property found via the Wirral website at premium will be charged. The www.wirral.gov.uk . premium will be 50% above the full If you are having genuine difficulty Council Tax charge. For example, a meeting your payments, please property which has been empty and don’t delay, contact us as soon as unfurnished since 1.4.2012 will possible. The sooner you do so, the attract a premium charge of 150% more help we can offer. from 1.4.2014

11 Supporting Other Services Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA)

Merseyside Recycling and Waste 14 Household Waste Recycling Centres, Authority is the public body to recycle as much as they can. responsible for dealing with Together with our District Council household waste once it’s been partners we’re making steady progress. collected from your home. Last year, 36% of household waste was We use the latest technology to make reused, recycled and composted. You sure as much of it as possible is recycled can read more about our principal aims, so we can avoid sending it to landfill. objectives and targets in our 2013 We work hard to persuade people to use Annual Plan, available on - less in the first place and, through our www.merseysidewda.gov.uk

A comparison of Expenditure and Income for 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 is as follows: 2013 - 2014 (£k) 2014 - 2015 (£k) Gross Expenditure 38,522 41,489 Landfill Tax (1) 27,989 24,212 Total Net Expenditure 66,511 65,701 Contribution to reserves 0 0 Total requirement 66,511 65,701

(1) Landfill Tax: the tax paid by MRWA to central government for disposing of residual waste to landfill. In 2013-14 it is £72 per tonne, and for 2014-15 it will be £80 per tonne.

This is financed by: 2013 - 2014 (£k) 2014 - 2015 (£k) Use of reserves (920) (110) Leaving a balance to be met by Levy Income 65,591 65,591 Levy per head of population £47.48 £47.34

The total requirement is the same this year as in 2013-14. The Levy for Wirral Council based upon the levy apportionment system is: £15,085,409

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, 7th Floor, No.1 Mann Island, , L3 1BP Tel: 0151 255 1444, Fax: 0151 227 1848 Email: [email protected], Web: www.merseysidewda.gov.uk

12 Supporting Other Services Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is a levying body for its Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Functions under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Environment Agency (Levies) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 6500 kilometres of main river and along tidal and sea defences in the area of the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Money is spent on the construction of new flood defence schemes, the maintenance of the river system and existing flood defences together with the operation of a flood warning system and management of the risk of coastal erosion.

The financial details are: North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee 2013/14 (£k) 2014/15 (£k) Gross Expenditure 40,930 74,205 Levies Raised 3,638 3,638 Total Council Tax Base 1,932 1,955

The majority of funding for flood Changes in the Gross Budgeted defence comes directly from the expenditure between the years both Department for the Environment, Food reflects the impact of the Government and Rural Affairs (Defra). However, under Spending Review and national the new Partnership Funding rule not all prioritisation of capital projects. For schemes will attract full central funding. 2014/15 we have included Grant Aided To provide ‘matching’ funding the Expenditure on all Risk Management Agency may seek funding from County Authority Programmes. The total local and Metropolitan Councils, Unitary levy raised has increased by 0%. Authorities and London Boroughs in the The total Local Levy raised has form of a Local Levy. The Local Levy is remained the same in 2014/2015 as shared on the basis of Band D 2013/2014 at £3,638,000. Equivalents between all contributing bodies within the Committee Area.

13 Supporting Other Services Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority

The Government has confirmed the The Authority has considered ‘the least level of grant it will provide to the worst’ options on operational response Fire and Rescue Authority for based upon the Chief Fire Officers 2014/15 and announced an indicative recommendations and is seeking to reduction for 2015/16. The Authority’s make savings by station mergers. This funding is being cut by 7.6% and approach has been endorsed in initial 8.5% respectively in those years, public consultation and engagement. resulting in a £6.8m cash reduction. As part of the two year plan the This will mean the Authority’s grant Authority has decided to increase reduction between 2010/11 and council tax by just below 2% (the 2015/16 will be over 35%. maximum allowable without holding a The Authority has previously public referendum). The band D planned to try and minimise the impact Council Tax is therefore now £70.07. on frontline services by cutting Most council taxpayers in Merseyside management, back office and support will pay about 13p per day towards costs. It had already set a financial plan their Fire and Rescue Service. for 2013/14 and 2014/15 based on the The Authority has set a budget of expected cuts that, despite saving £7m £64.356 million for 2014/15, £2.365m from back office and support areas, still lower than that in 2013/14. Further required front line savings of £3m. savings will be required for 2015/16. These are being met by reducing the The main changes between this year’s number of fire appliances in budget and last year’s are: Merseyside from 42 to 28. With the latest grant cuts the Reductions in support service, Authority has approved a two year management & other costs (£0.9m) financial plan to deal with the Unavoidable cuts in front additional financial challenges up to line staffing (£1.5m) 2015/16. The two year plan requires yet further savings of £6.3m. The Net movement on reserves (£0.6m) Authority’s priority has again been to Increase in specific grants (£0.3m) maintain the frontline service but after identifying a further £2.9m from back Increase in capital financing office and support areas the remaining costs to fund capital expenditure £0.1m £3.4m inevitably falls on the front line. Forecast inflationary cost increases £0.8m

(£2.4m)

14 The Authority has issued a precept on the five Merseyside District Councils of £23.430 million, which is equivalent to a Council Tax of £70.07 for a Band D property. Wirral’s contribution to expenditure financed by precept is £6.151 million, which represents 26% of the total precept.

Summary of Revenue Budget and Council Tax Requirement 2013/14 (£k) 2014/15 (£k)

71,117 Gross Expenditure 71,548 -1,682 Net contribution from Reserves -1,227 -2,714 Income & specific Grants for services -5,965 66,721 Budget requirement 64,356 -55 Collection Fund Surplus -407 -44,048 Government Grant & Business Rate Funding -40,519 22,618 Council Tax Requirement 23,430 329,224 Tax Base 334,386 £68.70 Band D Equivalent £70.07

Contact Us The Authority values the opinions of the people it serves. If you wish to comment about the services of the Authority contact Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters on 0151 296 4000 .

Kieran Timmins, CPFA, Deputy Chief Executive Fire Service Headquarters, Bridle Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L30 4YD [email protected]

15 Supporting Other Services Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority

Given the severe spending pressures J Fogarty, BA Hons, IPFA on the Merseyside District Councils, Director of Finance the Authority has resolved to freeze Merseyside Integrated Transport its levy for 2014/15 at the same level Authority and Passenger Transport as the previous 4 years. Executive (Merseytravel) The Authority has been asked to No 1 Mann Island ensure that it can maintain its core Liverpool L3 1BP services, and at the same time maintain a levy freeze by a savings and Tel: 0151 227 5181 efficiency package of £3.0m.

Merseyside Revenue Budget 2014/15 Expenditure Income/ Grants/ Levy (£k) Recharges Balances (£k) (£k) (£k) Bus Services 30,340 (11,796) - 18,544 Rail Services 123,202 (19,657) (102,061) 1,484 Travel Concessions 83,514 (26,608) - 56,906 Customer Services: Hubs 11,305 (2,508) - 8,797 Mersey Ferries 11,171 (9,242) - 1,929 Mersey Tunnels 31,961 (41,717) - (9,756) DRCM 3,655 (742) - 2,913 Policy & LTP Development 4,243 - (1,172) 3,071 Funds Management 52,857 (11,708) (323) 40,826 Asset Management 13,646 (13,666) - - People & Customer Development 5,417 (2,256) (511) 2,650 Information Technology 4,468 4,468 - - Resources Directorate 3,672 (3,672) - 2,650 Total Spending 379,471 (148,040) (93,513) 127,364

*DRCM = Democratic Representation & Corporate Management

16 2013/14 Levy (£k) 2014/15 Levy (£k) Decrease/Increase (£k) Knowsley 13,458 13,411 -47 Liverpool 42,956 43,175 +219 St. Helens 16,179 16,187 +8 Sefton 25,274 25,158 -116 Wirral 29,497 29,433 -64 Total 127,364 127,364 -

The public transport capital programme for 2014/15 is £23.5m of which £9.3m is allocated for new schemes. The Mersey Tunnels capital programme for 2014/15 is £9.0m financed from Tunnels tolls.

17 Supporting Other Services Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside

As Police and Crime Commissioner I The budget in 2014/15 will provide have a statutory duty and electoral sufficient resources to enable the Chief mandate to ensure an efficient and Constable to maintain a budgeted effective police service is delivered establishment of 3,945 Police Officers by the Chief Constable on behalf of and protect frontline operations as far the public. as possible in 2014/15. In addition, the In addition, I have a statutory resources will assist the Chief responsibility to produce an annual Constable in achieving the priorities budget, including setting the council tax set out in my Police and Crime plan. requirement for the Police Service on However, I am aware that there Merseyside. The council tax requirement remains a very significant financial and provides the balance of funding not policing challenge for the Police covered by government grant. Service in the years ahead, with Setting the budget has not been an estimated savings of over £40m being easy task, particularly in the face of required to be made by the end of continuing financial constraints on the 2017/18. Consequently, I am working police service. However, with the closely with the Chief Constable to delivery of £13.4m of savings by the develop a series of reviews across all Force, along with £0.1m of savings from areas of business that will achieve the my own office, and the utilisation of savings requirement, whilst keeping £4.6m of reserves, I have been able to the precept as low as possible and set a balanced budget for 2014/15, ensuring Merseyside has the most resulting in a council tax requirement of resilient and effective force possible. £52.375m. In council tax terms this is equivalent to £104.42 per property at Rt Hon Jane Kennedy Band A and £156.63 at Band D, a 1.95% Police and Crime Commissioner increase on the 2013/14 current level. for Merseyside

18 Budget 2013/14 (£m) 2014/15 (£m)

334.756 Gross Expenditure 328.148 (2.131) Income (1.813) (7.266) Specific Government Grants (4.273) 325.359 Net Operating Requirement 322.062 (0.417) Contribution from Reserves (4.642) 0.124 Contribution to General Balances 0.911 325.066 Net Budget Requirement 318.331 Less: (134.729) Police General Grant (131.199) 41.2% (124.038) DLG Formula Funding (118.205) 37.1% (14.058) Council Tax Support Grant (14.103) 4.4% (1.538) Council Tax Freeze Grant (1.538) 0.5% (0.124) Collection Fund Surplus (0.911) 0.3% 50.579 Council Tax Requirement 52.375 16.5% 329,224 Tax base 334,386 £153.63 Band D Equivalent £156.63 Increase in Band D Equivalent £3.00 1.95%

Why has the Gross Expenditure Changed? £m Gross Expenditure 2013/14 334.756 Merseyside Police Savings Already Recognised (13.396) OPCCM Savings Already Recognised (0.100) Inflation 4.180 Net Committed Growth 2.261 Victims Services Expenditure 0.447 Gross Expenditure 2014/15 328.148

Why has the Council Tax Requirement Changed? £m Council Tax Requirement 2013/14 50.579 Increase in Tax base 0.793 Increase in Band D Equivalent 1.003 Council Tax Requirement 2014/15 52.375

19 How to Contact Us

The Council is committed to improving Streetscene: 0151 606 2004 access to its services and offers Dealing with all street related residents a choice of how to get in services such as street lighting, road touch. At the core of that commitment and pavement repairs, road signs, is the call centre, a network of One traffic signals and waste, cleansing Stop Shops situated in central and recycling. locations across the borough and the website at www.wirral.gov.uk. We Central Advice and Duty Team: make our services available at times 0151 606 2006 and places and in ways which are Providing a single point of contact for convenient to the customer. advice and information on social care For information on Council services, and requests from adults, children including Council Tax and benefit queries, and young people who may require you can visit any of our One Stop Shops. Council services.

To contact us: Switchboard: 0151 606 2000 Write to: General enquiries Head of Business Processes, Wirral Council, P.O.Box No. 2, Automated telephone payment line: Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 6BU 0151 606 2345 For payment of Council Tax, parking Email: fines, miscellaneous invoices, Business [email protected] Rates, housing rents and Housing [email protected] Benefits overpayments. [email protected] Data Protection Fax: 0151 666 3334 Information that you provide us will be processed in accordance with the Website: www.wirral.gov.uk provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. As an Authority, we have a Telephone: Please ring the Call Centre duty to protect the public funds which on the following numbers: we administer and we may use the information held about you for the Revenues and Benefits: 0151 606 2002 prevention and detection of fraud. Help and advice on Housing Support, This may include, but not be limited Council Tax Benefit and Council Tax to, matching Council Tax data with (including payment queries). Electoral Registration records. The Council may also use the information Information and advice: 0151 606 2020 you provide for the purpose of Information and advice on a range of performing any of its statutory Council services including Pest Control, enforcement duties. When necessary Building and Development Control, we may share this information with Registrars, Home to School Transport and other bodies responsible for auditing general Councillor and MP information. or administering public funds.

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