Newport City Council is likely to see an increase of 3.5 per cent in Council Tax levels from April 2008. The City's Cabinet has been asked to approve the budget for 08/09. This is a sensitive decision in a vital election year for the Council's Labour Group as they seek to retain control of Newport in the new era of massive regeneration projects and in the run up to the 2010 Ryder Cup. The relatively low level of Council Tax increase has been achieved despite only a 2.5 per cent increase in the rate support grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, funded out of general taxation. The suggested budget includes a significant cash increase of £10.1 million (4.6%), in particular £3.1 million (3.3%) for Education and £3.2 million (5.7%) for Social Services. The Council's total budget amounts to over £227 million, of which just over £37 million in revenue is accrued from Council Tax. The Council Tax for an average band D property will be set a £714.98 before precepts for police are added, likely to place Newport's Council Tax as the fourth lowest in the United Kingdom.
LAW FIRM MOVES TO CITY
Law firm King Legal is relocating to Newport from Cardiff in move expected to create 50 jobs. The move will be aided by a grant from the assembly government. The firm works primarily for insurance companies including AXA, Co-operative Insurance Society, Zenith Insurance and Zurich and mortgage providers.
POLICE SEEK INFORMATION OVER PILL FIRE
Police in Pill are appealing for information about a fire in a property at Capel Crescent over the weekend. Its believed the fire started between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday February 9th. Police were called to the fire at approximately 4.30pm. The fire is being treated as deliberately set. No-one was injured in the fire although the property was extensively damaged. If anyone has information about the fire or anyone who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or the lane to the rear of the property, are asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
