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Tax freeze warning Grant for volunteers


A COUNCIL tax freeze would be “ a bit of a double edged sword,” Tonbridge and Malling councillors have been warned. The borough’s finance


chiefs estimate a 2% in- crease – the maximum the council can impose with- out a local referendum – wouldmean budget cuts of around £2.8 million. But freezing the 2013/14


rate would mean a savings target of £3.1 million, an increase of more than £300,000. The savings could be


split into four tranches over the next four years, with the first of up to £950,000


being achieved by 2014/15. The borough would re-


ceive government funding equivalent to a1%increase in council tax in 2013/14 and 2014/15 if it freezes the rate for the forthcoming year. But the council’s finance


chiefs warned that a freeze was “a bit of a double edged sword”. Although the benefit to the taxpayer was desirable, this one year could not be taken in isola- tion. The base for future tax increases would be lower and accepting the grant would result in more budget challenges in years to follow.


Council officials said


there was so much uncer- tainty that financial plan- ning was becoming increasingly


difficult


“Right now there is a sense of one step forward, two steps back.” Last year the council de-


cided against a freeze de- spite the offer of a government grant and opted for a 2.9% increase equating to an extra 10p a week for a bandDproperty. Councillors were due to


agree initial proposals on January 9, with the budget process being finalised by the full council on Febru- ary 14.


Traders clean up with awards THREE businesses in Larkfield have received awards for going the extra mile in the battle against litter. The Dine Alfresco mobile takeaway at B&Q car park, the Happy Times Chinese food outlet on the A20 and the New Hythe Stores in New Hythe Lane, all pledged to clear litter from around their premises twice a day in a scheme monitored by Larkfield Neighbourhood Watch and the neigh- bourhood policing team. Fifteen businesses have already signed up to the campaign in which


they are given a score from 1-5 and receive an award for notching up full marks for 12 consecutivemonths. The triowere the first to earn their cer- tificates and will continue to be monitored for future awards. The schemeis linkedto the LoveWhereYou Livecampaign championed


by Tonbridge andMalling Council. Larkfield Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Stuart Olsson said there was a voluntary litter code to help tackle the rise in food-related rubbish.


Larkfield NeighbourhoodWatch co-ordinator Stuart Olsson with Lee Hallett of Dine Alfresco, Tamsin Ritchie of Tonbridge and Malling Council and PCSOs Michael Carrano and Suzi Leng


HAMILTON FINE KITCHENS


MAIDSTONE & Malling Carers Project has re- ceived £48,325 from the Department of Health’s health and social care volunteering fund. The project,which is part of Voluntary Action Maidstone (VAM), provides information and help to people who look after a family member, partner or friend who needs support due to dis- ability, illness, addiction or frailty. The new funding will be used to set up a be- friending service to visit carers, and it is hoped the volunteers will be, or will have been, carers. Barbara Hagan, manager of the project, said:


“We are delighted to have been awarded this funding and are looking forward to developing this new service for local carers.” There are 2,288 carers registered with Maid-


stone and Malling Carers Project. For informa- tion, support, or to find out about volunteering, please ring 01622 685276. VAM is seeking a number of new trustees/ directors to join its board. For information con- tact chief executive Charlotte Osborn-Forde on 01622 677337.


Kitchens of distinction by Guy Hamilton


Free no obligation home consultation and design. Full installation service including building works. Superior quality at surprisingly low prices. www. hamiltonkitchens.co.uk 01622 844897


6 Malling Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


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