Move to increase Sleaford council precept criticised

The decision to increase the amount homeowners will have to pay in Sleaford has been slammed by an independent councillor.

Sleaford residents will see a 14.77 per cent rise in the town council precept on next year's tax bill – meaning the average homeowner will pay out £104.07 on top of their normal payout.

Independent councillor David Suiter told the Echo he thought the move was irresponsible at a time when a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet.

He said: "We can only condemn the Liberal Democrat party and their allies on Sleaford Town Council for a legacy of financial misrule, which has cost the local taxpayer massive tax increases.

"All of Sleaford town council's reserves have been spent, even though they used to be considerable and this is because of consistent over-spending."

Last year people living in average or band D homes paid £90.68 to Sleaford town council, with the rest of the council tax bill for a year totalling £1,346.49.

Mr Suiter claims the planned rise was as high as 44.51 per cent until cuts were made in the budget.

The main reason for the rise is increased staffing costs, which currently stand at £427,500, a sharp rise from 2005.

"Staffing costs have increased by £41,233 and on top of that there is a £7,846 pension increase," said Councillor Suiter

"Cuts need to be made because to keep them at this level is not acting in the best interests of the taxpayer.

"It is a very sad thing to say people might lose their jobs, but at the moment the council is setting its precept at a level that most people will struggle to pay."

Saxilby Parish Council is proposing an increase of 28.61 per cent, from £72 to £95 to help pay for improvements to local services.

Ray Black, a financial advisor based in Sleaford, said: "At this moment in time, with everyone trying to count every penny, an increase of any type will be unwelcome.

"This will especially be the case if people do not see an improvement in services provided to match the extra money."

Sleaford Town Council leaders were unavailable for comment.