17th January 2019 – Southwell Town Councillors have agreed to limit the rise in the Town Precept to just 2% in the coming year. This means that the equivalent of a Band D property in Southwell will be £75.36 (£1.45 per week), raising £216,500 for the coming year.
The Town Precept is the main source of finance for Town and Parish Councils and is levied by Newark & Sherwood District Council as part of residents’ Council Tax bill each year.
Announcing the Precept, Chairman of Southwell Town Council, David Martin, said:
“Like all public authorities across the UK, Southwell is constrained by spending limits and our Town Councillors understand the difficulties caused by rising costs that many families face when we set the annual precept. Having said that, taking on a number of services previously run by the District Council – markets, toilets, car parks and open spaces – has inevitably led to an increase in expenditure, particularly salaries. However, the benefits of localness are now becoming clear in terms of quality improvements.
“We are proud that we have adopted the Real Living Wage as a minimum for our staff and we have held car parking charges, while confirming that the 2 hours free parking will continue.”
Expenditure is carefully targeted at maintaining and improving the attractive environment and facilities of our lovely Town. Also, funds are invested in assisting the vitality and viability of the Town centre and the trading environment.
The main elements of how the money will be spent are:
Staff salaries £167,000 4 Office staff, 4 Groundstaff
Insurance and Administration £19,000
Town environment £9,000
Parks and open spaces £25,000 offset by pitch hire income of £5,000
Toilets £12,000 includes cleaning and repairs
Market £6,000 offset by income of £23,000
Car parks £23,000 offset by income of £26,000
Old Courthouse £25,000 offset by other income of £18,000
Tourism and events £9,000
Full Council Meetings are held in the Old Court House on the third Wednesday of each month and advertised on the Council notice boards as well as our new website. All residents are welcome to attend. The business of the Council is conducted in open session and questions are welcomed.