In 2016-2017, an average Band D council tax payer will pay £124.92, an increase of £10.81 per year.
As a result of central government cuts, Stroud District Council has reduced its grant to the town council by £39,000.
Rather than cut services, the town council took the unanimous decision to increase its part of the precept by 9.5% to make up for the shortfall with the lost grant.
“If you take into consideration the loss of the district grant then in real terms we have only increased our budget by 1.5 per cent,” said Mayor Kevin Cranston.
“The swingeing cut imposed on us from the district council is a result of a cut from central government. We took the decision that we did not want to cut corners or lower the standard of service we provide the town.
“The increase equates to about three cups of coffee a year. We felt it was more responsible to maintain the levels of service that we provide and thus have taken this extraordinary decision.”
The town council’s budget for 2016-17 is £664,705. It is responsible for more than 25 green spaces in the town, including formal parks and play areas, and manages the town cemeteries. It manages the town’s floral displays and provides five allotment sites.
Last year the town council was the first in the district to complete a Neighbourhood Development Plan.
The town council owns Lansdown Hall which it continues to refurbish and turn into a key community centre.
“We also support Play Ranger activities and provide ongoing grants to such organisations as Citizens Advice Bureau, Homestart, Marah Trust, The Door, Uplands Care Services as well as a range of cultural activities and festivals in the town,” said Mr Cranston.
A recent residents’ survey carried out by the town council ranked green spaces, the Neighbourhood Development Plan, and financial support to community groups as the most important things done by the town council.
“The town council offers many local community groups the chance to apply for vital grants which support their activities,” said Mr Cranston.
“We provide funds to charitable groups who provide increasingly necessary support for local people and felt this will be more important than ever.”
