Town councils to freeze precepts
TOWN councils are fighting the credit crunch by freezing precepts for 2009.
In a bid to keep bills down for locals, councillors are doing their best to stop any rise in the local charge paid as part of the council tax.
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DISCUSSIONS Broughton Town Council discussed precept charges at the Phil Grundy Memorial sports hall. From left, Mayor of Broughton Coun John Tweedie, and town clerk Gary Johnson. PICTURE: Katie Lunn
The precept, as it is known, has been frozen in Broughton, with the town council saying it wanted to help people hit by the economic downturn.
Broughton town mayor John Tweedie said: "We are keeping the precept the same as last year because of the financial crisis.
"It was felt that everyone was going to have a very tight year this year and the council will do its utmost to ensure that we provide the same service as we have done in the past at a reduced cost.
"All councils hold reserves and we have decided we would rather use some reserves than burden the people.
"At this time when people are losing jobs and that sort of thing, we are all finding it hard.
"We felt that we would do our best to help and we are going to do it in this way."
Bottesford has followed suit with the freeze and Crowle Town Council is also working to hold its charges, although it still has a lot of project work to be precepted.
Town councillors in Barton-upon-Humber will finalise their charges after a meeting in February.
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
12 Comments
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by Jane, Barton
Thursday, January 08 2009, 3:50PM
“Bartonian, Barton. Sorry but you got that wrong! The precept is the amount of money paid to local councils for their expenses to their town/village. North Lincs Council or any other council do not benefit from any of it. Having said that, we ALL know Council Tax will rise because there is still too much money wasted at North Lincs Council on expenses etc., heating, lighting, telephone calls and all the blurb they print out.”
by mick, Just got up - Perth - wa
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 10:39PM
“Watch out for that Brown fellow.
Now that the pound and euro are at or near parity, he will be looking to ditch the pound.
Think you haveproblems?
You aint seen nothing yet.”
by Any_Old_Iron, None of the Above Party!
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 10:03PM
“All you guys are quick to knock the political system and call the councillors - have you not thought of standing for election yourself - Independently - to see how the system works and benefit from the system?
BUT don't forget - whichever party is controlling the council they are 'governed' by Parliament's policies and are left to take the flak of any unpopular decisions. So before blaming the local council look further afield first to see what Whitehall has decreed!”
by bartonion, barton
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 6:38PM
“Even if the local town councils freeze their precept you can bet any money you like that Councellor Kirk and his bunch will still increase the council tax to make up the difference!!!!!!!”
by Billy-no-mates, In my campervan
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 3:23PM
“Lets go as far as calling him The "Gordon do-it -my -way Commissar General to Mandelsons comradship Politburo Tax Party". for short.”