Corby Borough Council has welcomed the latest evidence of the town’s continued growth in the face of challenging economic conditions.

Based on statistics published by The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), which is the leading commentator on all matters relating to public finance in the UK, Corby has demonstrated the fastest growing tax base* over the last three years of any local authority in England and Wales.

Based on the average Band D Council Tax charge, Corby showed the largest percentage increase in its tax base – recording 8.7% growth between 2006/7 and 2009/10.

In further evidence of growth spreading across North Northamptonshire, Kettering showed the third highest percentage increase of any local authority over the same three year period - a growth of 6.4% in its tax base. Of more than 200 local authorities, East Northamptonshire (23rd) and Wellingborough (36th) also ranked highly in terms of tax base growth.

The statistics highlight North Northamptonshire’s emergence as the biggest single growth area outside London and the success of its housing-led regeneration strategy. In Corby, this has resulted in the rapid development of a substantial new community at Oakley Vale, which has helped the town to attract families from areas such as London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham as well as local buyers.

Corby’s growth looks set to continue as co-ordinated infrastructure delivery, town centre improvement programmes and successful bids for Government Kickstart Funding take effect.

In Corby, the Council has already received approval for £3.5m of Social Housing Grant (SHG) to build 70 new Council homes. In addition, more than 640 new homes are to be built in the Borough following confirmation, in December 2009, of £20.8m of new funding through the Kickstart programme. This will include 388 new homes at Priors Hall, a major urban extension to the north east of the town.

Leader of Corby Borough Council, Cllr Pat Fawcett, said:

‘The Council’s ambition is to double the population of Corby by 2030 and so the news that our growth rate is the fastest in England and Wales is just excellent. Corby isn’t just getting bigger but it is growing in to a place to be proud of and a place that is delivering for its residents. We are continuing to work with partners to bring more jobs, more schools, more facilities to the Borough and make Corby a great place to live, learn, work and play!’

Simon Evans, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company, said:

“These statistics provide a good benchmark of the rate of growth being achieved across North Northamptonshire and, in the case of Corby, endorse the recent Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Area Assessment that the town is continuing to make positive progress despite challenging economic conditions.

A growing tax base will help finance the development of new skills and infrastructure in our area.”

 

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For more information please contact: Kimberley Fitzjohn, Corby Borough Council
Telephone: 01536 464020 Mobile: 07901 512 702 Fax: 01536 464640
Email Kim.fitzjohn@corby.gov.uk

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