The average taxpayer in Witney will be asked to pay a precept rise of around 65 pence a month for Witney Town Council’s share of the Council Tax from 1st April 2022. The decision to increase the precept payment was agreed at an extraordinary meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 5th January 2022.
The precept has increased by 4.9% which will enable the Town Council to maintain its council’s general fund and fulfil its statutory obligations. This is a rise of £7.97 per Band ‘D’ property for the year.
The Town Council offers a range of services to residents, which include Allotments, Cemeteries, Civic and Community Events, Grants to Voluntary Organisations, Sports Pitches, Public Halls, ten Recreation Grounds, Planning Matters (consultee on planning applications for the planning authority), The Town Hall and Street Scene.
Many of these do not generate any income and need constant re-investment to enable them to remain an asset for the community.
Whilst it has set its precept, the Town Council’s Committees will be determining and prioritising its project list over the next two months of meetings. Projects under consideration will include exploring ways in which the Town Council might wish to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; reviewing how it delivers the grounds maintenance of its open spaces, sports pitches, and floral displays; and further measures to ensure the Council stays on target to reach carbon neutrality by 2028. Alongside these it will also look to make general improvements and enhancements to existing assets.
The forecast cost of running the Town Council’s services for 2022-23, remains uncertain due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, so this years’ budget represents a prudent estimate of income and outgoings.
Witney Town Council works closely with West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council to ensure that all the services provided improve the quality of life for people of Witney.
The Town Council looks forward to maximising the benefits from the small increase in continuing to improve and upgrade the delivery of its services and meeting the expectations the aspirations of its residents.
Mayor, Cllr Joy Aitman commented,
” This budget focuses on local improvement and the wish to enhance life and to care for our residents whilst also covering costs and safeguarding standards in the town.
Our approach has been considered and has focussed on recovering Witney in uncertain times however we have taken care to limit the rise to inflation as we recognise the tough challenges all our household budgets are facing.”
