Youth club gains from council tax squeeze (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Youth club gains from council tax squeeze

STOW Youth Club is among the good causes to benefit from extra money raised by the increase in council tax on second homes.

Two years ago the Government changed the law allowing second homes to be taxed at 90 per cent of the full council tax rates, up from 50 per cent.

Although most of this extra money is used to help reduce council tax, a significant proportion is allocated to charities and organisations by Cotswold District Council.

At the last meeting of the council's cabinet, members revealed how £295,000 would be shared between various projects.

Among the successful schemes was a £100,000 plan to build 45 homes for elderly people on Roman Way in Bourton, a £20,000 scheme to refurbish Stow Youth Centre and a £5,000 grant towards a domestic violence outreach service.

Other projects ranged from disability advice to breastfeeding support.

A final decision on the allocations will be taken by the county council later this month.