No rise in council tax for Hednesford

Hednesford town councillors have announced there will be no rise in council tax for residents this year – and for some people the rate will drop.

For Band D property owners, the Hednesford Town Council element of their bill will fall by six per cent to £26.72 per year.
The news comes as councillors say ‘difficult decisions’ have had to be made due to ‘general pressure’ caused by the current economic climate.
Councillor Derek Davis, who chairs the finance committee, overseeing council tax rates said: “The town council, like everyone else, has not been immune to increasing costs but due to careful financial management we have been able to avoid any increase in the precept which will remain at £137,500 for 2018-19. That works out at an average of just  £10.40 a year for each elector – less than 3 pence a day.”
He said money raised by the Hednesford element of the charge – known as the precept – would go to important community services.
He said: “Following on from the most successful community Christmas event in 2017 the town council is determined to ensure that this continues in the future and has, once again, agreed to meet the cost of providing the illuminations in 2018.
“In addition the improved and extended Pye Green Community Centre will be maintained to provide a first rate venue for seminars and conferences, training events, dance groups, keep fit, martial arts, social dances, mothers and toddlers groups and a number of health services such as blood transfusion. The function room with fully licensed bar remains a popular choice for private parties.
“The town council will also be supporting Citizen’s Advice who have an outreach each Thursday morning at the Centre. 
“The council will also continue to assist several local organisations by providing grants and strengthen community links by the work of voluntary groups which the town council supports financially.
“We continue to see improvements in Hednesford town centre. 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 £23,000 a year for town centre CCTV which provides added safety and security for residents and visitors.”