Low council tax rise is promised

One of the lowest council tax rises in London and a "greener" borough is being promised to people in Southwark.

The council has agreed a 2.6% rise for 2005/6 taking the charge for average band D properties to £1,050.

Councillors set a budget of £435.9m at a meeting on Wednesday allocating £6.2m to target community safety, anti-social behaviour and street crime.

A total of £1.4m will pay for increased collections from communal bins on housing estates and boost recycling.

Our commitment to making Southwark greener and cleaner is clear from our approach to recycling and waste disposal Nick Stanton, Southwark Council leader

Leisure centres, sports pitches and parks will be allocated £494,000 for improvements to offer more people opportunities for exercise.

Southwark Council leader Nick Stanton said: "Once again the council has shown that we can keep council tax low without scrimping on the important services.

"Our commitment to making Southwark greener and cleaner is clear from our approach to recycling and waste disposal.

"The extra funding for parks and leisure services means we hope to keep residents as healthy as the environment they live in."