A decision has been made by Bishop Auckland Town Council not to increase council tax this year.
The Council tax was frozen for the second consecutive year, when the Members met on the 11th January 2022, their first full council meeting of the year. The decision was taken after Council Members agreed to leave the precept for Bishop Auckland Town Council at £52.10 per year for an average Band D property. This is the second year that the they have frozen the council tax.
The Chair of the Finance Committee Cllr. David Wilson, said: “The last two years have brought with it some of the of the most difficult times for our town, and moving into 2022 we are hoping that some of these challenges ease. We hope that this council tax freeze will help to reduce some stress and financial burden for 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. Katie Eliot said: “Over the last two years people have faced very challenging times, so we are pleased that we are in the fortunate position of not having to increase the financial burden on residents by freezing Council Tax for this year, but acknowledge that this might not be the case next year. In the meantime we are looking forward to life getting back to some normality, and getting council activities and events back in the town.”
The council tax freeze was agreed by all Councillors, and it was recorded that that Bishop Auckland Town Council Precept for the forthcoming year 2021-22 will be £222,685 which is a band D equivalent of £52.10. The Council Tax for Bishop Auckland Town Council is collected by Durham County Council.
