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Jan

Last Updated: 30/01/2024

Ripon councillors narrowly approve above inflation precept hike of 9%

by Tim Flanagan

| 30 Jan, 2024

Amid heated exchanges in Ripon Town Hall last night, city councillors voted narrowly to increase the parish precept by an above inflation nine percent.

This will take the average amount added to Ripon council tax bills for the cost of the city council to about £77 per year.

Residents' final council tax bill will also include the precepts charged by North Yorkshire Council and the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for police and fire services — both of which plan to hike their charges.

A motion proposed by Ripon City Council deputy leader Councillor Peter Horton in the absence of leader Andrew Williams, was carried 5-4 in a named vote.

Liberal Democrat Barbara Brodigan joined Independents Pauline McHardy, Tony Duncan and Julie Ann Long-Martin, all of whom spoke against the increase that will come into effect from April.

The increase was supported by Independents Jackie Crozier, Chris Hardisty, Stuart Flatley and Mayor Sid Hawke, after Cllr Horton said:

“This will be our first increase in four years and we have to make it to be able to pay our way and maintain the services that we provide for the people of Ripon.”

Cllr McHardy however, disagreed. She said:

“We must look at what we are spending, particularly on events. At times like these when family budgets are squeezed, we must cut our cloth to fit.

“We are facing a cost of living crisis and many families in the city are struggling financially and cannot afford this increase.

“It might in isolation only appear to be a small amount, but will come on top of tax increases from North Yorkshire Council, the police and crime commissioner and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service."

Cllr Brodigan who proposed an alternative motion to increase the precept by the current UK inflation rate of 4.9 per cent, said:

“We have working people including nurses, employed in our hospitals, having to rely on food banks to be able to feed their families and we should be looking to help them.”

Her motion was defeated by the same 5-4 vote and Cllr Flatley, who was among the members who supported the 9% increase, said:

“We provide great free events for residents such as the New Year’s one that attracts people into the city centre and create a real buzz. We don’t want to see the quality decline.”

Cllr Horton said:

“As well as paying the increased wages of our staff, the running costs for the town hall, Christmas lights and toilets at the (Borrage Green Lane) paddling pool, the parish precept pays for our programme of family-friendly events.

"These are held throughout the year and we make them free to attend, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by all Ripon residents, while the additional visitor footfall that they attract is good for the many independent businesses in the city.

“On top of this, we have to operate in a responsible way to keep ourselves financially sustainable, which is important as we look forward to the additional benefits that will arise from double devolution.”

Knaresborough Town Council approved a 4.13% increase in its precept at its December meeting, which increased the sum to about £25. Harrogate does not have a town council so residents do not pay a precept for one.

If you're a Ripon resident, what do you think - does the city council's spending on events give value for money? Let is know via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Main image: Should Ripon City Council cut back on its spending on the public events that it stages?

North Yorkshire Council plans 4.99 percent tax increase

Crime Commissioner plans hike in Police and Fire precept

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Ripon councillors narrowly approve above inflation precept hike of 9%

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