Small Council Tax precept rise agreed by Morpeth Town Council
The Morpeth Town Council portion of people’s Council Tax bills will slightly increase in the next financial year.
There has been no rise in the amount of Council Tax that householders pay to the town council since 2021/22, but the Finance and General Purposes Committee recommended that its precept should go up by three per cent in 2026/27 and this was approved by the full council at a recent meeting.
The additional precept been allocated to CCTV provision and the events budget, which will build on the success of last year's Christmas Lights switch on event and other family events in the town
Coun David Bawn, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, said: “The town council has managed to freeze the precept for the last four years, despite the council providing additional facilities and events whilst facing spiralling external costs.
“In the upcoming budget, we have decided on a below inflation increase of three per cent to maintain the council’s finances and cover some of the increasing costs we face. This increase is equivalent to 5p per week for a Band D property.
“Although we are always reluctant to raise any taxes, we are confident that this small rise now will enable us to deliver our services to the people of Morpeth in the coming year and to maintain our solid financial footing.”
The council has also earmarked funds appropriately to ensure any future building repair works are covered, which has been the intention since the council took ownership of both St James Community Centre and the Pavilion building and grounds.