Share this:

 

 

English: Tilford. Surrey County Council have just completed spending a bunch of my Council Tax money reconstructing this junction at SU869436 with changed priorities – for what reason I know not. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Do you know how your council taxes are spent? Surely your hard earned money must go somewhere right? As diligent and responsible tax payers, it is necessary to know and understand how and where your city divides your tax money.

But first, you have to know what actually a council tax is. It is a local system of taxation that your city or county uses to provide funds for local government services and duties. The amount that you pay for as council tax is based on the size of your household or your residential property. Properties with single occupants and those with disabilities are given tax discounts. Of course, unoccupied or vacant properties or residences are exempted from paying council taxes.

Now that you know what a council tax is, it is now time to dig deep and find out what your taxes really pay for:

• Major city protection services are properly funded by the council tax that you pay for using your earnings. Local government services such as the city’s police and fire departments are well kept by your tax money.
• Your local government can implement and maintain your city’s waste management system courtesy of the council tax that you pay. This includes collection, sorting, disposal and recycling industrial and residential wastes. Environmental protection is also part of this bracket.
• Using your tax money, the local government also helps promote proper residential or housing services and launch energy saving campaigns. This aids in encouraging residents or citizens to maintain their properties.

English: Houseboats on the Cam The City Council administers 70 residential moorings on the Cam, at a charge equivalent to Band A council tax. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Local roads and highways benefit from your council taxes. The government will use a portion of the earnings to maintain, repair or build local roads, streets and major city highways.
• You can also include taking care of the city’s parks and other recreational facilities. This will help improve tourism and will encourage residents to stay in the community and care for their environment at the same time.
• Lastly, your council tax also shoulders planning how to develop the city’s other infrastructures. Using your hard earned money, the local government will be able to properly study several options on how to make your city an ideal place to live in.

Now that you know how your council taxes are spent, the next time that you are required to pay for your council tax, do not hesitate to do so. Because while you may think that this affects your salary, you should also realize that the city needs your help to make sure that every resident is well taken care of, in terms of services, protection, infrastructure and the environment.