Witney Town Council has voted to freeze its council tax precept amid the cost of living crisis.

Witney residents will not pay any extra tax to the town council during the 2023-24 municipal year.

The decision was agreed at a full council meeting on January 4.

The town council offers a range of community and recreational services to residents, many of which do not generate any income.

They include allotments, cemeteries, civic and community events, grants to voluntary organisations, sports pitches, public halls, 11 recreation grounds, planning matters (consultee on planning applications for the planning authority), the town hall and street scene. 

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In the current inflationary environment, it has also seen its own costs increase significantly.

Witney Gazette: Witney Town Hall Witney Town Hall (Image: Witney Town Council/Facebook)

The budget-setting meeting heard that the town council finances are in a strong and healthy position. 

Leader of the council Vicky Gwatkin said: “With the challenging economic climate hitting everybody hard and town council finances able to absorb some cost increases, it makes total sense to freeze the precept at its current rate. 

"It is a small gesture but the welfare of our community is our highest priority and it will at least go some way to easing the burden for the people of Witney.”

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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