The Council has a statutory duty to consult local businesses as part of the budgetary process.  The 2018/19 budget headline figures are below:

Savings & Growth

• The Council continues to deliver service to a high standard, with all key service targets being met.  The savings for 2018/19 have been proposed whilst maintaining all of our services.
• In November the Executive received and approved for consultation proposals which identified net savings of £0.6247m.  It is now recommended that these savings be accepted. 

Local Government Financial Settlement

• The Government announced in December 2015 that our grant funding for 2016/17 would be £0.5m and for 2017/18 onwards it would be zero.  This was confirmed in December 2016. 
• The level of Business Rates we are permitted to retain for use in 2018/19 has also been confirmed as £2.292m.  This information is the latest release updated as at February 2017.

Council Tax

• In order to manage the reductions in government funding whilst maintaining quality services the Council has adopted a new commercial approach to funding.  Nevertheless, the Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts that modest Council Tax increases will still be required.
  In addition, the Government has proposed no freeze grant for 2018/19.
• For these reasons the budget is based on a recommended 3% (or £6.43) increase in 2018/19.  This would increase a Band D charge from £214.44 to £220.87 - an increase of 12 pence per week for Borough Council services.

Budget

• The net budget for 2018/19 will be £15.496m.
  
  This will be funded from:

£m

General Government Grant       0.0
Retained NNDR                        2.292
Council Tax                              13.204

Total                                         15.496

If you have any comments on this budget please e mail our Business Accountant.

There are only a few spaces remaining for 24 Januarys Learning Lunch.  Come and hear Emma Wootton from the Noodle Plan talk about creating an effective business strategy for the year so you can make 2018 the most productive it can be.

Book your space now.

Do you want to develop a completely new business idea or review and improve an existing offering? By using a business model canvas, it can be the first vital – step in the process. Download a business model canvas template .

Businesses in Reigate & Banstead are among those being encouraged to take part in free training to help women being abused by partners find help.

The training is part of a new campaign from Women’s Aid called Change that Lasts. Independent and small businesses are often well placed to notice when a woman – perhaps a customer or member of staff – might be being abused by a partner. Women’s Aid wants to make sure that the first time a woman speaks out about abuse, she is heard, believed and guided towards the specialist support she needs to regain her independence.

Training sessions are taking place in Redhill (7 and 8 February) and Oxted (14 and 15 March) and are free to attend.

The training covers understanding why abuse happens and what it is, how to respond when someone talks about it and where to direct them for help. Participants are encouraged to talk about abuse in their networks and communities – such as in team meetings or on social media.

Anyone - men and women – can sign up for the training. Find out more.

Due to continued growth, Shopper Anonymous are looking for mystery shoppers throughout Surrey and Hampshire. Shopper Anonymous are one of Britain's biggest  mystery shopping firms, with 26 franchisees countrywide and over 1000 clients. 

If have an eye for detail and appreciate great customer service, do drop them an email at  or check their website for information and to apply to become a mystery shopper online.