Hailsham Town Council has set its budget for the next financial year (April 2016 to March 2017) and agreed a precept of £872,521, which means that council tax for a Band D property in Hailsham will be £121.66, an increase on the previous year of £4.68 per household per year on the previous year.
Councillor Chriss Triandafyllou, chairman of the Town Council’s Finance, Budget & Resources Committee explained the rationale behind the decision: “The Town Council has challenged its officers to make budget savings throughout the year so that additional money can be reinvested in local services and facilities for the community.”
“When considering its annual precept for the financial year 2016/2017, the Town Council has taken into account the impact of new legislation resulting from the gradual devolution of services from county and district authorities to town and parish councils, a year by year reduction in the grant given by Wealden District Council, as well as rising costs across the board and an urgent need to sustain and further develop growth in the community.”
Town Clerk John Harrison said: “The Council’s decision to vote in favour of an increase for the next financial year though was a difficult one for them to make. However, the budget proposals represent our commitment to protecting the town’s essential services for residents and our focus now will be to continue to ensure all services are run as efficiently as possible.”
Council taxpayers should be aware that only a small percentage of the council tax demand goes to Hailsham Town Council – the remaining percentage goes to Wealden District Council, East Sussex County Council, the Police Authority and the Fire Service for the services they provide.
Locally, the Town Council is committed to supporting community based initiatives including Hailsham Works! and grants to voluntary organisations, and throughout the next 12 months, will continue to work hard and drive forward initiatives to promote the town as a key location to live, work and visit, helping to boost the local economy.
If you require any further information on the Town Council budget for 2016/17 please contact John Harrison (Town Clerk) on 01323 841702 or by email: john.harrison@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
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Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk