Town council freezes tax (From Bucks Free Press)

Town council freezes tax

3:20pm Saturday 26th January 2013 in News By James Nadal

THE portion of council tax residents pay to Marlow Town Council has been frozen for the coming financial year.

The average band D household will continue to pay £42.93 from April.

It now appears that all three councils Marlow householders pay the tax towards are now set to introduce a freeze.

The county and district councils have announced intentions to do so, with the decision to be ratified in coming weeks.

The town council has received a £19,965 Government grant to help it make the freeze.

Since 2010/11 the town council's portion of the tax has reduced from £43.14.

Mayor Jocelyn Towns said: "I am delighted that we have been able to keep the council tax at nil increase, it was very important to us, and important for our residents, especially as we have all been experiencing a tough economic climate, but mindful that at the same time we ensure that we deliver the needs of the town."

The town council's overall expenditure budget for 2013/14 is £370,782, its income less expenditure £277,917, with a budgeted income of £92,865.

It will receive £274,300 in council tax contributions from Wycombe District Council, the billing authority.

Money will be spent on measures included in the council's new ten year vision to make the town the most vibrant in the Thames Valley, details of which are still being worked out.

Cllr Bob Johnson said: "This is a budget full of positivity and town improvements. There will be some resource efficiency measures to assist in providing more funds available to support front line services and provide new and renewed initiatives for the town."

Town clerk Annie Jones said the council is trying to save every penny possible, reviewing matters such as photocopying rates to find savings.

Other than council tax, some of the sources of income for the town council are cemetery fees and Gossmore recreaction ground.

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