Council Statement – 15/03/2024
The past 12 months have been a challenging time for all households, with the continuing cost of living crisis. Like our residents, the Community Council has felt the strain, with the running costs and maintenance of the Welfare Park, Hall, and Cemetery going above the predicted council budget for 2023/24.
This has meant that while setting the budget for 2024/25, and to be able to maintain the high level of services we want to provide, a Precept of £79,867 was needed. An increase of £1.35 per week/£5.87 a month on a Band D property (£70.43 per year on 2023/24 figures). We recognise any increase will be a concern to our community so this was a hard decision to make. For several years, the Council has consistently kept any increases to the precept at a minimum, relying on the Council Reserves to bridge deficits in the budget. Unfortunately, this has caused the situation the Council had to face.
While reviewing the hire fees for the Hall, the Council had to look at the fairness for all users. This has meant looking at past agreements and negotiating what is fair and just for all who hire the Hall. Though the Hall, Cemetery and Park are for the Community and not for profit, the Council does need to have enough income to help with the running costs, especially with the current charges for heating and lighting the Hall. It is essential that these assets are safe, warm, well maintained and equipped.
The Council are committed to deliver local services, and will be looking at grants for any urgent projects. The park paths and recently vandalised lighting are a priority. And developing a memorial garden in the Cemetery grounds that will be a haven for wildlife, and a peaceful space for residents to visit, is also a commitment we want to make for the coming year.
We would also like to know what you want from the Community Council, and will be running a survey this Summer to ask just that question. We want your feedback and ideas, so please get involved.
Linda Evans Clerk to Blaengwrach Community Council