ILMINSTER NEWS: Mayor defends 20 per cent increase

THE Ilminster Mayor has said that a 20 per cent increase in the town council’s share of the Council Tax bill will help to maintain its services in the area.

The town council has set a budget of £329,920 for 2016-17 which means the Council Tax Band D equivalent payment in relation to Ilminster Town Council will be £145.24 per year or £2.80 a week – 20 per cent up on last year’s total.

The Mayor Cllr Rose Neave, speaking after last Tuesday’s (January 19, 2016) budget setting meeting of Ilminster Town Council, said: “Ilminster is a vibrant community and the town council wants to maintain services and safeguard the amenities it provides.

“In setting the budget for the next year we have looked at past budgets and forwards to the next couple of years when we know that Government Grant will be reducing - a loss of income for the town council exceeding £20,000 over a five-year period.

“Councillors and staff will continue to make sure that purchases are good value for money and identify potential income sources – such as sponsorship for annual competitions.”

PHOTO - TOP: Ilminster Mayor, Cllr Rose Neave.

Before setting the budget, councillors discussed ways of reducing expenditure and increasing income in order to minimise any increases in the Council Tax.

Councillors also expressed the importance of looking to the future especially taking into account the needs and expectations of a growing resident population.

The town council acknowledged the potential Council Tax increases to be set by other authorities - Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Services and the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner - and the cumulative impact of the increases on individual households.

The Mayor added: “The budget we have set will enable us to maintain our existing services and also consider some individual projects such as, demolishing the old football stand and improving record keeping relating to the cemetery and play equipment.”

Tags:
News.