SWANCC Explains Modest Precept Increase Ahead of Budget Setting

As the budget setting time approaches, the South Willesborough and Newtown Community Council (SWANCC) wishes to communicate with residents to provide insight into the small rise in the Precept that will be reflected on the upcoming council tax bill.

Last year, SWANCC chose to forgo increasing the Precept, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the community and relying on reserves to support its operations. However, this year, SWANCC finds it necessary to raise the Precept to cover the costs associated with maintaining the high-quality services expected.

In recent years, SWANCC’s services have included organising Jubilee celebrations, hosting the Vintage Railway Festival, employing a Litter Picker, awarding grants to volunteer organisations, rejuvenating the Allotments, planting Daffodils and Wildflowers around the SWAN area, placing Defibrillators at the Alfred Arms and Albion Arms, installing Happy to Chat Benches, and much more.

SWANCC asserts that it has consistently delivered value for money and takes pride in its positive, approachable, and professional reputation within and beyond Ashford Borough. The South Willesborough and Newtown area is recognised as a pleasant place to live, thanks in part to SWANCC’s efforts.

To sustain and enhance these achievements, SWANCC continues to support the cost of the Precept with 6.7% of the overall budget from reserves, aligning with the current rate of inflation. The proposed modest rise amounts to approximately 20p per week for a BAND D property, reflecting an increase of about 19%.

SWANCC remains committed to transparency and invites community engagement as it strives to strike a balance between financial responsibility and maintaining the quality of services that contribute to the well-being of residents in the South Willesborough and Newtown area.

a letter addressed to locals

Source: swancc.org.uk