WELLINGTON Town Council’s own tax, which covers the services it provides, will be going up very slightly from the beginning of April.

Last year the council’s tax soared by 46 per cent from £27.40 for Band D properties to £40 but for 2017-18 it will go up by just one per cent to £40.40.

This was decided at the council’s annual budget meeting in January when it was reported that the council was expected to have a healthy balance of £216,500 by the end of March.

Expenditure for the coming financial year is predicted to be £196,564 compared with £172,244 for 2016-17 and includes £57,000 for salaries, £40,000 for devolved services previously provided by the county or Deane councils such as public toilets, £15,000 for Christmas lights, £15,000 for grants and £10,500 for the Longforth Road public toilets.

The council agreed to increase its precept for local services from £186,100 to £200,490. It was pointed out that the council’s income was being reduced as it would receive £4,590 less in council tax grants from the Government, nothing from Taunton Deane for public conveniences compared to £10,500 last year and also nothing for Christmas lights from the Deane whereas it had a grant of £4,000 this year.

The report from town clerk Greg Dyke stated that an underspend of about £20,000 was likely in the current financial year.

Cllr Marcus Barr wanted the council to increase the town council’s tax to £42 so that it could provide more services for local residents which he felt were needed. But no seconder came forward for his proposal.

Cllr Andrew Govier said he would have supported Cllr Barr if there had not been very significant underspending. “We have to be smarter at spending money now that there are more cuts from Taunton Deane. I would have backed Marcus if we had spent all the money,” he said.

It was pointed out that the allowance for councillors of £200 a year before tax had been set some years ago and it was agreed that this should be reviewed.

The council’s offices/premises in Fore Street, which many years ago were the old Squirrel Hotel, are also to be reviewed. During a discussion about these the question was posed whether the first floor council office was fit for purpose.

It was further pointed out that it was eight years ago that the council had introduced mayoralty and since that time the former chairman’s insignia been used. Apart from the fact that this does not represent the current position, the insignia is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Councillors agreed that quotes should be obtained for updating both chains of office for the mayor and deputy mayor.

Equipment at the council’s Tone play area is to repaired and repainted, including swings, slide, horizontal ladder, infant carousel, bench and MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). It is expected to cost about £1,900.