More benefits than costs of a town council

Last week RBWM voted to proceed to the next stage of the consultation for a Windsor Town Council.

This has been a long campaign to empower the local community and ensure

our standing as an internationally renowned town is enhanced in a post-COVID era.

Yet the myth continues to be perpetuated by those opposed to local democracy that the precept for Windsor taxpayers would double, this is being weaponised and is highly misleading.

The fledgling town council will take on the existing precept in the first year, plus the costs of administration which can be limited through virtual meetings, friendly clerks and the use of existing meeting spaces.

After this only the competencies that can be afforded will be taken on by the new council, unless they vote to raise or even lower the precept in year two.

The level of precept is therefore set by the community, for the community.

In other towns where the precept has risen overall council tax has reduced as the primary council do not have those services to run.

Another myth is that this is an extra level of bureaucracy, well try telling that to the existing 15 town and parish councils across RBWM which already exist.

These operate very successfully with extra councillors, all of whom are unpaid, therefore adding no extra cost to the taxpayer, yet adding huge benefits to the community for whom they serve.

The benefits to Windsor residents far outweigh any potential costs, whether that be through responding more effectively to local community needs, such as the maintenance of local play areas or representing the views of Windsor residents to external bodies through planning applications or consultations which affect the whole town, such as Heathrow expansion.

The greatest benefit however is the mobilisation of community activity, organising and sponsoring community events and co-ordinating charity fundraising across the town.

Taking the pressure off our community volunteers and ensuring they can maximise their impact through their events.

It is a very exciting time to be a Windsor resident and I would urge residents and businesses to engage positively with the

consultation, please visit www.windsortowncouncil.uk for more information and to join the campaign for local representation.

RICHARD ENDACOTT MA Windsor Town Council Steering Group