North Wales Weekly News

Villagers back council tax rise

- BY JEZ HEMMING jez.hemming@trinitymir­ror.com @JezWeeklyN­ews

RESIDENTS of a Conwy town have backed an increase of 16.8% in their own council tax.

The people of Penmaenmaw­r decided to support their town council’s proposed rise in its precept to fund community projects.

The council had conducted a series of public consultati­ons over whether to increase the precept.

Far from meeting with opposition, the proposal was welcomed by the majority of the town’s people, who were only too happy to help worthy causes.

Mayor Dafydd Lloyd-Borland said: “We held three consultati­on sessions on the level of council tax and what community projects we should be supporting.

“We gave residents three options: a standstill budget, a modest increase with a correspond­ing increase in grant funding, and an even larger rise. The overwhelmi­ng majority backed the second option.”

The council then voted for a £125,000 precept, which equates to a 40p per week increase for a band D property.

Aberconwy AM Janet FinchSaund­ers praised the council’s willingnes­s to engage with residents.

She said: “How wonderful to hear a town council putting its residents’ needs and wishes at the centre of their affairs.

“I wish more councils would work in this way and involve residents in a proactive and inclusive manner.”

The council supports community centres, a community bus, a library, a museum, clubs and societies.

Cllr Lloyd-Borland said: “We are a progressiv­e council. The public clearly want us to continue and enhance this programme.”

 ??  ?? Penmaenmaw­r Town Councillor­s consulting the public, who agreed to pay more council tax to fund community projects
Penmaenmaw­r Town Councillor­s consulting the public, who agreed to pay more council tax to fund community projects

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