FOLLOWING the Government’s decision to limit the Lincolnshire Police Authority’s 2008/09 budget, arrangements are being made for East Lindsey District Council to set a substitute Council Tax at its meeting on August 20, 2008. It is expected that residents will be issued with revised council tax bills by the end of September.

In the meantime, East Lindsey residents should carry on paying their council tax as normal. The current council tax bills remain valid, and direct debits will continue to be collected. Reminders will still be issued for non-payment.

Business Support and Finance Portfolio Holder, Councillor Colin Davie explained: "The capping order has now been approved by the House of Commons and arrangements for rebilling will begin. A plan is in place, and East Lindsey’s 64,000+ council taxpayer households should be issued with a revised bill by the end of September.

"It is understood that Lincolnshire Police Authority will be setting its new budget and council tax levels at a meeting on July 25. If the new council tax is set in line with the limit of 26%, this will mean a reduction of almost £70 for a Band D property paying a full charge in East Lindsey.

"For most of East Lindsey’s residents the reduction will, however, be less than this. The majority of properties in the area are in lower Council Tax bands. For example, the reduction for a property in Band B with a full charge will be around £54, or £5 per month on a 10-monthly instalment plan.

"Also, as many households in East Lindsey receive discounts, exemption or benefit, the actual reduction will be even lower in these cases as full council tax is not being charged.

Customers who have paid the full years council tax in advance will be notified of the credit on their account. Those customers will have a choice to carry this forward and reduce next year’s bill, or they can opt for a refund. For customers who pay by monthly instalments, the reduction will be shown in the remaining instalments."

East Lindsey District Council will keep its residents up to date with developments through local media and its website www.e-lindsey.gov.uk. For those who do not have access to the website, or have any query or concern should contact the Council Tax Help Line on 01507 329592.