Below-inflation tax rise promised

Mark Meredith will serve as mayor until spring 2009

A council tax rise below inflation is being promised for people in Stoke-on-Trent next year.

The elected mayor Mark Meredith, who will go as a council leader and cabinet set-up comes in, said the tax pledge was a promise he would keep.

Local people voted to get rid of their elected mayor in an October referendum.

Mr Meredith said the budget, which included spending on getting people off benefits and on city regeneration, still reflected his priorities.

Mr Meredith, who will serve as mayor until spring 2009, said: "All the proposals that you're talking about are my proposals.

"It's my responsibility as the mayor to put the executive budget to the full council in February.

"I made a commitment from the day I was elected that we're going to have below-inflation council tax rises and that we're going to deliver improved services to local people and deliver good value for money."

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