Budget gets green light at town hall council meeting
Outdoor events were once again on the agenda on night
TAMWORTH Borough Council’s budget was approved by councillors - despite outdoor events again being back under debate with a bang.
Highlights of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 include a 2.95 per cent rise in Council Tax, £7.25m towards regeneration and affordable housing, £250,000 for the capital repairs programme at the castle, £500,000 for damp and mould works, £30,000 per annum for a new Councillor grants scheme, £200,000 to refurbish play areas, £545,000 for technological upgrades, £75,000 per annum for energy efficiency upgrades, £3.5m for Disabled Facilities Adaptations, £3.25m for Disabled Facilities Grants and £700,000 for works to balancing ponds.
Carol Dean, Leader of the Opposition, began debate by saying: “I won’t be voting against because that wouldn’t be helpful to anybody at this stage but I do want to place on record concern over some decisions.
“I want us to prioritise our spending on the vulnerable. I am still uncomfortable we have spent nearly a quarter of a million pounds on bonfire events in the last seven years.
“I have never had a constituent contact me and say they want more fireworks. We have lots contacting us saying they want cleaner streets, safer roads, a damp free house, adaptions to make their homes more liveable.
“I have concerns over big infrastructure projects and the possibility that they could end up being a drain on our resources.
“I can only applaud the wish to see the town rejuvenated. However I still feel maybe we have too many balls in the air and it’s going to be hard work for officers to make sure they don’t drop any.”
Cllr Andrew Cooper then spoke and said: “I take umbrage with a lot of what the leader of the opposition said. If we are going to do away with events how can we then have a vibrant town centre? A lot of businesses rely on events bringing people from outside the town into Tamworth.
“I just can’t believe the opposite group are saying vote for us and we will cancel your events but you’ll have a thriving community in your town centre. I don’t think you can have both.”
Cllr Chris Bain said: “There is a local election in May and there may be a change to the political makeup. There could be a change of administration so whatever budget we set is a burden for that administration. This is a budget we need to think about for the present and future and I am not entirely convinced we have got there yet but we have made a reasonable start.
“We are facing uncertain times. We are not proposing any radical reconstruction. There would be a change in emphasis if there is a change in administration. We have come up with a series of priorities and pledges. One is about making this council more accessible to the people of Tamworth, is there a way of reintroducing a front desk? Reviewing communications with people who live in this borough. Other issues include community wellbeing, environment and pride in place, and the town centre.”
Cllr Craig Adams said: “I do like a lot of events but I want a cost benefit analysis. See which ones are working and which ones are not. I go to some and they don’t seem to be that popular, and we are spending quite a bit of money on it. It is not good value for money. I am very concerned on the five year plan. It nosedives, keeps going down every year.”
Cllr Danny Cook said: “When we sat in this chamber to do scrutiny I started by saying well done for balancing the budget, a difficult ask in these times of crisis.
“It doesn’t stop the fact I have some concerns. The vision of this council doesn’t mention certain things like the voluntary sector, mental health, homelessness, some of the key things we have in our society that are serious issues.
“My concern about this budget is it’s not taking up the challenge of doing more at a time when cost of living crises are really killing families, when old people can’t put their heating on at night.
“We have such a missed opportunity to go and grab issues residents are really going through. This feels to me more of an election pledge than a budget. I am not going to support this and that is painful because I know the hard work that has gone into it but certain things are missing.”
Cllr Tina Clements said: “There is a lot more work to do and we know that and we are here to be challenged.
“Some of the challenges I agree with, some I don’t. So let’s all continue to work together to make this town the best it can be.”
Cllr Samuel Smith, deputy leader, said: “Talking about things not being in there, it is just about the placement of words. If there are certain things literally not in there please specify what they are. We are all open ears, willing to help and do what we need to do.
“We have a functioning system, we have scrutiny, please address them at the relevant committees far in advance.
“I am closer to the homelessness and vulnerability issues probably more than anybody and in all of those reports those words come up.
“We talk about partnerships with relevant charities and it is fantastic and we should be absolutely proud of that. Squabbling over little things not worded right is negative and not constructive. We are doing everything we can and so long may it continue.”
Cllr Rob Pritchard said: “I seem to remember when Labour was last running the council it was nearly bankrupt. We took control of a council not in the best of financial states.
“It was quite worrying but over the years we have delivered a stable, healthy authority that continues to invest taxpayers’ money responsibly and in services where the public deem it necessary and most important.
“Is the budget perfect? Obviously not, it is never perfect and hindsight would be a great thing if we could figure out some of the things that might cause problems down the line but it is a good, balanced budget delivering.”
Council leader Thomas Jay said: “This budget is in contrast to our very close neighbours, Birmingham, Nottingham et cetera so we should be proud of that. This is positive and delivers for everyone in our town, vulnerable and the non-vulnerable.” The budget was passed, 21 for, three against and one abstention.
“I want us to prioritise spending on the vulnerable. I am still uncomfortable we have spent nearly a quarter of a million pounds on bonfire nights in the last seven years.”