Local residents pay a proportion of the cost of their local services through Council Tax. It is made up of five components. These cover Kent County Council, Sevenoaks District Council, local town or parish council, Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Service.
As an example the Band D Council Tax bill, which is the average bill, for 2008/09 (running from 1 April 08 - 31 March 09) is £1,428.70p, an overall increase of 4.8%. (£1,363.22p this year). Each authority sets its own charge that contributes to the whole.
Kent County Council - 70%
Sevenoaks District Council - 12%
Kent Police Force - 9%
Kent Fire & Rescue Service - 5%
Average Town or Parish Council - 4%
Local Town or Parish Council
Education
Community & housing
Crime detection
Saving lives & reducing risk from fires & other emergencies
Maintaining local assets, including allotments, common lands, burial grounds, play areas, tennis courts, car parks, village halls, litter bins, seats & ponds.
Town & Parish Councils are consulted on all planning applications affecting their areas.
