At last night’s meeting of the full Town Council, Councillors agreed to set a precept for the 2022-23 year at 3.21% above this year’s level. An increase, but being kept well below the inflationary spirals of almost everything else.
Councillors were very keen to respect what we are all going through as the current cost of living surges upward and keep the level as low as possible. Councillor Kymee Cleasby gave a clear example of what many families in Marlborough were facing as the Love Kids Meals charity has seen real growth in demand recently as very many more families are needing hot meals in the town as the cost of living crisis bites harder and deeper.
In preparing the budget for next year, Councillors and the Town Clerk, Richard Spencer-Williams addressed each cost line to identify what was absolutely necessary and what wasn’t quite so important.
Against this the Town Council’s expenses for running (and heating) the Town Hall, offices and other premises has increased massively, as have all of our energy costs, so this lower increase than in any recent years was made harder to achieve.
The increase of 3.21% equates to an annual increase of £7.21 for a ‘Band D’ household, taking it up to £231.11. The overall Precept for next year will be £827,301.
Councillors were keen to ensure that these figures were transparent – and able to be accessed and seen by all. Details circulated prior to the meeting are part of the agenda and can be accessed by clicking here. The ‘Budget and Precept’ details are Item 11 (p19) and the breakdown of the budget is included as appendices 3.1 and 3.2 on pages 39-44.
Whilst Town Councillors have agreed this budget, it will now be submitted to Wiltshire Council.
Christmas links at St Mary’s
