SWANLEY Town Council has pledged not to raise its share of the council tax bill this year, while still improving services.

Council leader Councillor Mike Hogg said: "We gave a commitment to residents we would run the council efficiently, reduce administrative costs and improve our facilities.We have done so."

Swanley Council plans to continue making improvements to services and will be improving youth facilities. It will continue renovating the council's banqueting and conference facilities.

Last year, Swanley Council put its share of the local government-set tax up by just seven per cent but Labour town councillors were outraged Sevenoaks District Council hiked its part of the tax by 23 per cent.

This year Sevenoaks has distributed a survey asking residents how they want it to budget for the year ahead.

There is a fear it plans to increase its share of tax again.

But a spokesman for Sevenoaks Council said next year's budget is yet to be decided.

January 27, 2003 18:30