Careful management means capped budget for Hednesford

Hednesford town councillors have hailed a standstill budget of £130,000 as ‘great news for council tax payers’.

Cllr Derek Davis, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee said: “This equates to £10.05 per year — less than three pence per day — per elector. This is in our opinion exceptional value for money.”
The town council is required to decide on estimates of income and expenditure for the financial year 2015-16. Despite a host of vital community initiatives and events, councillors have managed to maintain the same budget as last year, without imposing any rises in cost to council tax payers.
Cllr Davis added: “The town council, like everyone else, has not been immune to an increasing cost of living. However, I am delighted to confirm that due to careful financial management we have been able to cap the precept at the same level as last year. This is fantastic news for council tax payers who can be assured of maximum value for money at a time when budgets are very tight indeed and there are tough choices about cuts elsewhere. The council will continue to support a variety of local organisations by providing grants; for example this year we have assisted AFC Greenheath with funds to help buy much-needed new equipment.”
During the past year Hednesford town centre has continued its transformation. The town remains unique in that it is the only one in the area that has free car parking. This is only possible because the town council pays for town centre CCTV which provides added safety and security for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Once again we have had a superb Christmas event in the town centre and Pye Green community centre remains a thriving hub of activity.”