1 February 2024

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.

The East Grinstead Town Council unanimously approved its budget and Council Tax precept for 2024/25 at the Council meeting on Monday 29th January.

Recommending the precept, the Chairman of Finance and General purposes Cllr Helen Farren commented that the precept would continue to support community groups, take forward our projects and provide free to attend events for all the family, including the D Day 80 commemorations. She stressed that the Council had struggled to find a way of meeting the responsibilities of the council for any less. Last year the Council had kept the rise very low due to the cost of living and as a result this year could not be as low. As utility costs continue to fluctuate and projects come forward (such as the re-opening of Sunnyside Barn, formerly St Barnabas Church, as a community hub), the Council is raising the tax this year to ensure that the progression of these and the delivery of services and facilities remain at the high standards expected by the East Grinstead resident. Cllr Farren concluded by stating her appreciation that there was cross party support for this budget.

The annual parish element of the Council Tax for 2024/25 will rise for a Band D property from £93.26 to £103.44. Which is a 10.9% rise on the 2023/24 rate. The overall annual rise being £10.18.
Additional information:

• The Town Council is responsible for 2 public toilet blocks, 2 Cemeteries, 4 community buildings, 2 War memorials, the east court terraces, drive and playpark, a recreation ground,2 allotments (run by management companies), civic pride such as hanging baskets, public flowerbeds and Christmas lights, street furniture, graffiti and fly post removal on Town and County Council Land, replacing street name plates, the tourist information desk in the library and arranging community events such as East Court Live. In addition there is a grant scheme to support local sports, community groups and the Chequer Mead Arts Centre.
• The total parish precept for a Band D property equates to £1.98 per week.
• Council Tax Bills for 2024/25 are made up of precepts from the County Council, District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner and Parish Council