During its annual budget setting process, Bishop Auckland Town Council have committed to greater community support for 2024-25, with increased budgets for local support, events and allotments.
Residents will pay an increased council tax equating to £2.09 per month or 48p per week for a property in Council Tax Band A. The overall council budget will increase by £164,117, which includes the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme Grant from Durham County Council.
Chair of the Finance Committee, Cllr David Wilson said: “The Council continues to operate in some of the most difficult times for our residents, and as we move into 2024-25 these challenges are growing.
“Agreeing the increase, was not an easy decision. Initially it was hoped that the increase could be smaller, but this would mean we are not able to support the key organisations, events and activities of the town.”
The increase will result in: an increase in allotments budget by 272% (an extra £34,998) to implement needed repairs and improvements; an increase in Community Support by 138% (£27,000); and increase in the Event budgets of 104% to support the programme of annual events.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Sam Zair said: “Whilst the Council agree that that it is never ideal to increase taxes, we feel that after freezing Council Tax or having very small increases in the past, this couldn’t continue, as it was not financially viable to continually take from reserves to balance the books and move forward.
“The additional budget will enable us to have an enhanced community support programme, to provide some of our key organisations with core funding and to encourage more footfall, which supports the businesses and wider health of the town.”
It was recorded that the total precept for the forthcoming year will be £407,501, which equates to a payment of £61.49 per year for a Band A property. The Council Tax is collected by Durham County Council.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
