No Rise in the Precept for 2012/13

After a lively debate in the Council Chamber on the 2 February, the Council voted not to raise the precept by two and a half percent despite the recommendation from the Management & Staffing Committee.

Members were asked to consider the rise in view of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the fact that the Council could be called on to help local organisations whose money will be reduced in the next financial year as the District Council’s budget gets further squeezed.  The Allotments & Landscapes Committee had also requested extra funding towards security fencing on all Council land.

Despite the fact that the Town Council had already agreed a precept freeze for the previous financial year it was stated that a future rise in the precept was inevitable in future years.  However, the Chair of Finance assured members that the 2.5% was not needed and has assured the Council that there will be funding for the Diamond Jubilee events.