Higher demand on tax payers in Chard (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Higher demand on tax payers in Chard

1:16pm Friday 15th December 2006 in Chard By Alex Cameron

PEOPLE in Chard will be paying nearly 6% more to the town council than they did last year if the authority approves its spending plans for 2007/8.

At last month's meeting of the town council's finance committee, members unanimously approved a budget with an overall spend of £493,871, up by £27,160 on the previous year.

That will mean an increase in the average, Band D, precept of around £6.35, or 5.8%.

The proposals are due to be approved by the full town council on Monday, December 18.

Town clerk John Furze told the News: "We have a commitment to tax payers to keep the costs down.

"This is a good budget. We're maintaining our level of services to the tax payers of Chard, and improving them in some cases."

Last year, the council charged a 15% increase in its precept.

Mr Furze added: "Hopefully we will be able to reduce the increase even further next year."

The council tax bill is made up of contributions to Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council, the police authority, and the local parish or town council where there is one.