The people of Wellingborough have until Monday 13 December to have their say on how the town council should spend their tax contribution and whether tax should be increased.
For the next financial year, the town council have suggested a budget of £274,180. This could increase the tax for a Wellingborough Band D property from £1,875.86 per year by an additional £6.02.
A Wellingborough Town Council spokesperson said: “This is the first ever corporate plan for Wellingborough Town Council, covering the four years of the councillors’ term and the first budget proposal as an elected town council for 2022/23. This plan sets out what we aim to achieve as a council, working with local communities and partner organisations over the next four years and beyond – from this will also follow the annual plan for the 2022/23 year.”
They continued: “Wellingborough Town Council is committed to making the town a better place to live, work and relax. To help us, we would ask that you complete our simple questionnaire about the services we plan to offer. The answers that you give will be used to consider the final budget early next year. We are keen to hear your views and suggestions.”
The current Wellingborough Town Council is made up of 23 councillors who were elected in May earlier this year. Together with local authorities, they serve a population of around 46,000 residents.
The questionnaire will explore whether residents agree with and will support the numerous goals that the council wish to achieve using council tax within their four years in office.
Questions will assess how much residents would be willing to support community grants and which community assets they believe Wellingborough Town Council should take control of from North Northamptonshire Council. These include Swanspool Pavilion, Croyland Gardens, the town allotments, the market, or simply no assets.
The council are also searching for volunteers to help with future town events which would use council tax. Suggestions consist of Armed Forces Day, a soapbox derby, and dog shows, and a bake off.
Further suggested proposals include more town centre flower displays and a Christmas ice rink.
Wellingborough town council will evaluate the questionnaires in January 2022 and the results will be available online via the town council’s website.
Residents wishing to have their say must complete the questionnaire by Monday, December 13, 2021.
Have your say here or find the questionnaire in paper form in the ‘Well Informed’ newsletter available at key locations in Wellingborough. Key locations include but are not limited to the Wellingborough Museum, Wellingborough Library, post offices, community centres, churches, and the Castle Theatre.