MIDDLEWICH residents will see an increase in their council tax this year, with the town council precept rising by more than 30 per cent.


Middlewich Town Council agreed on its budget for 2015/16 on Monday, January 11, deciding on a council tax precept rise from £300,472 to £398,259.


The budget shows an increase of 27 per cent for band D properties, meaning most Middlewich residents will pay £85.11 for the 2016 precept compared to £66.86 last year.


Last year the council used £91,716 from its reserves and has this year used non – which is almost the entire increase of the council tax precept.


Jonathan Williams, Middlewich Town Council clerk, said the council thought that ‘the time had come to stop raiding the reserves’, and also blamed a reduction of the council tax support grant for the increase.


Jonathan said: “Last year we used £91,716 of reserves but it was felt that this year, the time had come to stop raiding the reserves and keep that there for contingencies.


“Our income has been reduced a lot this year because the council tax support grant has been reduced. It has been reduced year on year gradually and now it has got to £9,000 from £25,000 three years ago.


“As well as that we have had to take on facilities such as the Victoria Building from Cheshire East Council, which has been a steep learning curve but now we have got a handle on what the costs are of taking over these buildings.


“In terms of expenditure there are a number of issues such as making a commitment to the CCTV, which is a significant amount and we have had to think about legal fees, if any more transfer across from Cheshire East Council.


“It’s a considered budget and there is a lot in the budget for the community such as grants to community projects and the amount of events included.”


Cllr David Williams has hit out at his council colleagues for agreeing to the rise, saying that residents should not be expected to pay for the large expense of council-run events.


The total for events in the budget comes to £18,550, including £7,500 for the popular Folk and Boat Festival.


On top of the events total, Christmas related costs come to £20,750, including £15,000 for Christmas lights, as well as £4,000 for events promotions and £1,000 for Middlewich Vision events.


Cllr Williams claims that when staff costs for the events are added, the total would reach £88,300.


Cllr Williams said: “While I accept that there have been increased costs to the town because we are taking responsibility for assets abandoned by Cheshire East Council and income to the town council has reduced, it is an increase that I could not support or vote for.


“My primary concern is the large amount of council tax payers’ money being spent on events. When all the bits are added together, including staff costs, the bill comes to one-fifth of the budget.


“I think it is wrong that this expenditure falls on every household in Middlewich, whereas those who participate in and enjoy the events are often not paying for tickets.


“I am a big fan of events in Middlewich, they are very important, but they should at least break even or make money for the town.”