Keswick Town Council has set out its reasons for an anticipated increase in its precept – its share of the council tax bill – as people face up to the cost of living crisis.
Councillors have rubber-stamped a £20.25 per year increase in the precept for a Band D (average price) property which equates to a 13.41 per cent rise, which works out at 38p per week.
They met on Thursday to approve the rise.
The reasons for the rise are as follows:
- With the increase in the number of houses being turned into holiday lets, there are fewer residential properties in the town eligible for council tax;
- Increases in the cost of living means the council has to account for a rise in costs for electricity and other utilities;
- Elections are to be held in May 2023. Normally they are held at the same time as Allerdale Borough Council which absorbs some of the costs, but this time the council has to bear all costs.
- Provision for local government re-organisation costs ahead of April 2023 when the current six district councils and Cumbria County Council will be replaced by two new unitary authorities;
- Increased costs for Fitz Park. The heavily used play area is 10 years old and requires increased maintenance, with parts having to be shipped from France. Paths also need a programme of replacement to ensure they remain accessible and the main grass cutting contract is due to be renewed and has increased;
- The cost of electricity and fuel has drastically increased even though the council has tried to mitigate costs with fixed rates for three years for its power;
- Wages are increasing – this is something which is set nationally and the council has no control over;
- The council has seen a decrease in the amount of grants it receives.
- The grant that the town council gives to Fitz Park will be £193,574 in 2023/24 which is by far its biggest expenditure.
“We continue to ensure that the Keswick parks remain at the high standards that everyone expects,” said town council clerk Vivien Little. “They continue to be the jewel in the crown for Keswick, and while Hope Park is self-funded, Fitz Park has less sources of income and relies on a large grant from Keswick Town Council as the sole trustee, which accounts for the main portion of the precept.
“We have tried to mitigate the costs as much as possible – for instance, we have recently bought a new electric mower for use in Fitz Park, which should help save us on fuel.”
The council will also be hosting three free events during 2023. For the King’s Coronation on Saturday May 6, there will be a ‘street party’ in Fitz Park, with a big screen to allow families to gather and celebrate together with picnics and entertainment.
In June the council will carry on with its popular Midsummer Festival (June 24 and 25), with the now-traditional Pop and Prom, an all afternoon and evening event, giving a platform to local performers as well as old favourites, And on Sunday June 25 there will once again be Scruffs, Keswick’s finest dog show.
The council has also budgeted £19,146 to give grants to support communities and the work of various charities and local groups.
The council also continues to provide Christmas lights for Keswick, brightening up the town centre during the winter months.
“We appreciate that it is a difficult time for everyone, and we have tried to keep our costs as low as possible,” said Ms Little. “If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact the town council and we will try to answer them.”
The council’s precept request for the year is £348,245, with an estimated council tax base of £2033.63. It means an individual Band D property will be paying £171.24 monthly.
