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The District Council's component of the Council Tax will rise by an average of 2.9% it was announced last night. The increase is the second lowest of the ten district councils in Hertfordshire. The rise, coupled with efficiency savings, will enable current service levels to continue and to expand in key areas. A recent consultation by the District Council found that nearly three quarters of respondents were prepared to accept a rise in Council Tax of between 3% and 6% in order for their services to either remain at the current level or to increase. Speaking at a packed Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Councillor Richard Struck, Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: "The District Council's services have recently been recognised by the Government's Charter Mark scheme for their cost-effectiveness and customer-focus. We are the first Council of any size in the country to achieve this. "By making further savings we have managed to keep the Council Tax rise below the Retail Price Index while increasing service provision in key areas which people want." The budget provides for a range of new initiatives for the coming year:

A campaign to promote energy saving - helping residents and businesses to reduce their fuel bills and protect the environment as well as cutting fuel costs in Council buildings.

Improvements to Watersmeet. Further development of cycle tracks. More parking bays. Further improvements of shopping parades. Help for private residents on low incomes with home repairs. Current initiatives which will continue into the coming financial year include: Bus passes for pensioners and people with disabilities allowing free travel across Hertfordshire and other local places. Free swimming for young people during the main school holidays - promoting health and reducing anti-social behavior. Extensive recycling services. The service has a collection rate of over 40% of household rubbish - one of the highest in the country.

The Council Tax rise does not include the charges for, Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police Authority, which receive 85% of the Council Tax revenue. The County and Police figures will be announced on 27th and 24th February respectively to give the final Council Tax levels for 2007/8 for Three Rivers residents. Council tax charges will vary around the average depending on which part of the district residents live. This takes into account such factors as parish council precepts:

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