Neyland rate payers hit by 44% rise

From the archive, first published Thursday 19th Jan 2006.

THE purchase of the Neyland Town Council building will hit local rate payers firmly in the pocket.

Last year council tax payers in Neyland paid £25.67 towards the precept of Neyland Town Council, but for 2006 that figure will rise to £36.90.

That represents a rise of 44% on the previous year.

The actual precept has risen from £30,738 to £45,671.

The main reason for the substantial rise is the town council's purchase of the council building in High Street last year.

Cllr Simon Hancock said: "The town council has purchased an asset right in the centre of the town. It's a one off and we got it for a minor fraction of the its true value."

The council bought the building from Pembrokeshire County Council for £35,000 and have a 25 year mortgage on the property.

Extra costs, including increased heating and lighting, maintenance, building insurance and cleaner's salary have also been included in the precept.

Councillors discussed the possibility of moving money from reserves to lower the burden on council tax payers but decided against that course of action.

"If you transfer from reserves it will only cover up the truth and if you keep doing that you will soon be broke," said Cllr Fred Knapp.

"I agree," said Cllr Hancock. "We should not transfer any money from reserves because we have got this property as an asset."

Council Tax is made up of the charge from Pembrokeshire County Council plus the precepts of Dyfed Powys Police and the respective town or community councils.

For a band D property Pembrokeshire County Council is proposing a 3.5% increase.

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