7 February 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

East Grinstead Town Council last night set its budget and precept for the 2012/13 year. The precept is set to rise by 3% to £65.70 per year per band D property. The rise is £1.92 per year or 4 pence per week.

Council Leader Norman Webster said “It is always hard to consider a rise on the precept, however last year the council did not raise the charge and had to use reserves to balance the budget, this cannot continue without building a significant problem in the future. The overall budget is prudent, costing less than last year as we have considered each line and cost centre, however without taking from reserves this means a modest increase for the precept.”

Town Council services include civic planting, tourist information, concessionary bus and rail fares and from 2012 will include the running of the new public conveniences in Kings Street. The Council also gives financial support to business initiatives and many local community organisations.

Capital projects will include maintenance at East Court and Meridian Hall and provision for a new salt depot to ensure that winter weather contingency plans can be effective.

The total band D charge equates to £1.26 per week, compared with other costs such as 1 litre of petrol at £1.36 or a loaf of bread at £1.25.

This rise is in line with the other Town Councils across Mid Sussex, Parish and Town Councils have not received any grant to maintain their tax unlike the District and County Council who were awarded a government grant to hold the charge at 2011/12 levels.

Residents who receive maximum Council Tax Benefits will continue to have the rise covered by their benefits which will be adjusted by Mid Sussex District Council.