Nantwich Town councillors have voted to reduce the proposed 5% rise in its council tax precept.
But they warned that a 3.5% rise is necessary amid fears Cheshire East would ask the town council to take on more services as part of further devolution plans.
At December’s meeting, the town council unanimously backed plans for a 3.5% rise instead of a 5% rise which had originally been proposed in November.
Following work on potential annual savings after the Government Budget in November, town council clerk Samantha Roberts suggested the rise could be halved to 2.5% instead.
Cllr Riddell Graham said: “I’m happy with the proposals except the 2.5%, which I suggest should be 3.5%.”
Cllr Arthur Moran supported that, adding the town council will need to build its reserves.
“As night follows day, Cheshire East Council will be looking at devolution and it will involve us taking on more facilities that CEC are providing at the moment.
“That’s going to be happening in the New Year.”
Cllr Anna Burton agreed. She said: “I am also happy to support a 3.5% rise, but I also would have accepted a 5% rise.
“I think we have got devolution coming our way and various things that we need to make sure we are ready for and have the capital reserves for.”
Cllr Caroline Kirkham added: “A 3.5% rise does give us a buffer.”
Town Council clerk Samantha Roberts added: “I would echo the thoughts on devolution, it is a big topic and I know Cheshire East has a dedicated officer in relation to this.
“Cheshire East are keen to work with the town council, hoping we can take the lead.”
Councillors voted unanimously for the 3.5% precept rise which will kick in from April 2026.
Both Cheshire East Council and Nantwich Town Council fail miserably to deliver value for money with the tax payers money.
Cheshire East Council delegate operational tasks to Nantwich Town Council to manipulate the Council Tax and create false perceptions of the increases actually been made.
A 3.5% percent increase is in the form of net income, the gross income needed to be generated is much higher to take account of both income tax and national Insurance.
There is a distinct culture that the council tax payer is a ‘ Cash Cow’
I have no doubt managers from the private sector could reduce the liability forced upon the public, bringing cost saving measures at no detriment to services.
The Council Tax payer has no right of redress, Councils, their officers are never held to account or responsible for what many perceive as poor management.
Problems are not solved by money alone, effective managers implementing SMART policies achieve . Outcomes and business results are the key performance indicators to be measured by.
In reality this has to change. I doubt it will.
I ask all council tax payers to politely protest with courtesy and good manners.
Remember when the precept was increased by 42.5% as a temporary measure during COVID. It was supposed to be reduced again when the crisis was over. Strangely enough that never happened. They are taking us for mugs.