Published: January 25, 2012
Town Council tightens spending as 1p a week tax rise is proposed

Town councillors have this week proposed that council tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge should increase by just one pence a week in an effort to help residents feeling the financial pinch.

Despite increasing costs of providing public services in the town, members of the Town Council's Policy and Finance Committee proposed implementing a 'standstill' budget during a meeting on Monday night (January 23rd).

Town Clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The Town Council is very aware of the difficult economic conditions that everyone is experiencing and councillors are keen to keep council tax bills to a minimum. Plans for a standstill budget have been put forward."

Under the proposals, the Town Council's total precept for the financial year 2012-2013 would amount to £529,044.

Of the Council tax demand local residents will receive, the Town Council's share for the year will be £76.60 for an average Band D property, an increase of 52p per year.

The budget includes the costs for some services previously financed by Sedgemoor District Council before it hit financial difficulties, such as public toilet provision and dog bin emptying.

The plans would see Burnham's Princess Theatre receiving £60,000 in funding during the coming financial year - £10,000 less than last year.

A final decision on the precept demand will be made at next month's Town Council meeting on Monday 6th February.