Council budget cuts staff costs and maintains services

MELKSHAM Town Council has increased its precept – the amount of council tax paid to the town council by residents for the services they provide – by 3.9% in the 2024/25 budget.

Council officers had recommended a 30% increase, but at a full town council meeting held on Monday 22nd January, councillors agreed an under-inflation figure of 3.9%, saying they were mindful of reducing the financial burden on local people in the current economic climate.

Most savings in the budget came from a £125,000 cut to the Town Hall’s staffing costs, which was discussed by councillors in a closed session part of the meeting. Melksham News understands that a full staffing restructure at the Town Hall is being worked on by councillors.

Councillors also agreed to an increase in spending on tree planting and tree maintenance, ecology and play areas.

£1.4million budget

Melksham Town Council’s budget for 2024/2025 is 1.4million. The new precept will mean an increase of £6 a year on a Band D property.

The mayor, cllr Simon Crundell said, “I am extremely pleased that as a council we have brought the precept to a low point of 3.9%, given our starting point was 30%. I commend the councillors who attended the late-night budget planning meetings.

Efficiencies

“At the forefront of all councillors’ minds has been the tax burden on local families, and this means that Melksham Town Council, despite still offering the same levels of service, has found the efficiencies needed, as so many residents have had to in their own home budgets.”

Nine councillors voted in favour of the budget, but cllr Graham Ellis who abstained from the vote, said the budget lacked vision and goals.

Cllr Jon Hubbard welcomed the budget and the savings made, but warned, “We need to be mindful, to achieve this budget this year, next year is going to be just as tough because of where we are starting from this year.”

Speaking to Melksham News about the motive behind the staffing budget cuts, deputy mayor, cllr Tom Price said, “Obviously I cannot go into detail about anything not yet decided on and communicated to other members and staff. However, it is my opinion that we do need change to the way we approach the staffing of the council.

“We need to ensure that we have an efficient staffing unit that provides good service and value for money to the tax payer. It is an area that has been overlooked and I feel that we can do better. It’s vital we invest in our staff, but they must be in the right place to help the council deliver for the residents of the town Over the coming months, we will discuss how the cuts we have made are implemented on the ground. I would urge my council colleagues to work proactively with the staffing committee, to find the best way forward.”