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'Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill'
TAXPAYERS in and around Rugby should not have to pay extra money to fund millions of pounds worth of infrastructure for thousands of new homes in the town, according to political leaders.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) was set to agree tonight (Thursday) that residents should not see a rise in council tax in years to come to pay for new housing developments - particularly the mast site near Hillmorton where around 6,500 new homes are planned and infrastructure including schools, shops and transport links, will be needed to make it sustainable.
The recommendation was put forward by Rugby's Liberal Democrats and is supported by council leader Cllr. Craig
Humphrey.
Cllr. Humphrey said: "I don't think that taxpayers of Rugby should be subsidising these infrastructure requirements.
"It would not be right, for example, for people who live in rural villages around Rugby to have a surcharge on their council tax to pay for these developments across the other side of the borough."
Jerry Roodhouse, leader of Rugby's Liberal Democrats, said although it is not a guarantee that taxpayers won't have to come up with more cash in the future, he would be doing everything he could to make sure residents aren't penalised.
Cllr. Roodhouse said: "This growth is being forced upon us by Government, infrastructure has to be paid for and it should be helping Rugby out.
"I'm dreading the danger that we're building ghettos for the future - like the development in Bilton Road where taxpayers are having to pick up the pieces with anti-social behaviour and poor living conditions.
"I don't want that to happen so we need to do this properly. I will be banging down every door to try and get money for Rugby.
"I want all political groups to sign up to this in principle so we can work together towards the same goals."
Earlier this month a specialised steering group to monitor the growth of Rugby was set up at RBC, which includes members from all political
parties. The group will be coming up with a plan to see how
infrastructure needs will be financed and will also look at transport, community development and housing needs.
The council is due to discuss infrastructure funding at its full council meeting tonight (Thursday).
For coverage of the meeting see www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk and next Thursday's Rugby Advertiser.
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Weather for Rugby
Friday 25 May 2012
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