Dear Sir,
Following proposals by the Liberal Democrat group on our local town council, plans are to be drawn up for a council tax freeze in 2023.
Councillor Michael Stead explains, “We know that we do not need a council tax rise this coming financial year and Liberal Democrat town councillors have provided over 20 suggestions on how to save money.
Unfortunately Labour and Independent councillors did not support a freeze this financial year.
However, all savings proposals will now be worked on cross party with the aim of a council tax freeze the following financial year.
“We will continue to look for more and more ways of making our council more efficient and effective.”
Cllr Nev Jones adds, “We are also going to be asking all our colleagues on the town council to consider a reduction in the number of councillors for the next election.”
Great Aycliffe Town Council has 30 councillors. The closest number in any other town or parish council in County Durham is 22.
The minimum number of councillors Great Aycliffe could have, based on legislation, is 23.
Cllr Andrea Miller comments, “It’s pretty clear to the public in our town that they want a more efficient and effective town council. Cutting the number of councillors would save money to help keep down council tax.”
A raft of Liberal Democrat savings proposals to be considered include a review of discounted beer at the Oakleaf Leisure Centre, consideration of planting wildflower meadows to reduce the cost of grass cutting and to look for more external grants towards funding capital projects.
Further reviews of how the council is run are planned to make sure it is more effective and efficient.
Mark
Party Organiser and Membership Secretary