A decision has been made by Bishop Auckland Town Council not to increase council tax this year.
At their first full council meeting of 2021, the unanimous decision was made by Council Members. The precept for Bishop Auckland Town Council will remain at £52.10 per year for an average Band D property.
The Chair of the Finance Committee Cllr. David Wilson, said:
“This last year brought with it some of the of the most difficult times for our residents, and as we now move into 2021 these challenging times continue. Many have faced financial and other hardships. The Town Council were unanimous in adopting the recommendations of the Finance Committee to freeze the Council Tax for residents, so that there is a nil increase for the 2021-22. We hope that this freeze will help to reduce some stress and financial burden on our residents.”
Covid-19 has brought many challenges, and has hindered much loved Town Council events and activities, however despite the ongoing pandemic Christmas lights and programme were still able to go ahead. The opening of the new office base for the Town Council on Kingsway has been delayed, but works are almost complete.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland Cllr. Joy Allen said:
“Whilst Covid-19 has delayed some of our plans for events and activities, we have been using the time to make some radical improvements. We are hoping that we can put these ambitious plans in motion during the second half of 2021 to bring people back into town after lockdown to support local businesses and boost the local economy.”
The council tax freeze was agreed unanimously by all councillors, and it was recorded that that Bishop Auckland Town Council Precept for the forthcoming year 2021-22 will be £221,383 which is a band D equivalent of £52.10. The Council Tax for Bishop Auckland Town Council is collected by Durham County Council.
