AS the leader of the Conservatives on Bridgwater Town Council, I find myself troubled by the recent decision regarding the 164% Bridgwater council tax increase, writes Cllr Gill Slocombe.
Some may describe this substantial hike as 'very modest' - such a characterisation fails to acknowledge the harsh reality that this increase will disproportionately affect lower-income households, for whom a 164% rise, or an extra £120 a year, is anything but modest.
Hardworking people are already grappling with limited disposable income.
Even a seemingly modest increase can significantly strain their budgets, forcing people to make difficult choices between essential expenses.
Retirees and those on fixed incomes rely heavily on predictability and stability in their budgeting.
The sudden imposition of a 164% council tax increase could seriously disrupt their financial position and force some to make very difficult decisions.
What troubles me most is the lack of thorough consultation and community engagement preceding this significant tax hike.
Residents deserved the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns before decisions with far-reaching consequences were made.
This is the biggest Bridgwater Council Tax rise I have witnessed, and it’s disappointing that such an important matter affecting the financial welfare of hardworking people was not subject to robust public consultation.
While I appreciate the Council's intentions to "take back control" of local assets and services, I firmly believe that any budgetary decisions must strike a balance.
This balance should ensure that our residents, particularly the most financially vulnerable, are not disproportionately burdened.
Regrettably, this budget failed to achieve that balance and your Conservative councillors could not vote to support it.
I was also disappointed that Councillors chose to vote through a new Councillor allowance of over £1,200 for the forthcoming year.
I appreciate the need to be remunerated for your time, especially at a time when the council is taking on several services, and there will be more work.
But, to ask residents to pay an extra £120 in council tax and at the same time award ourselves £1,200 is just wrong.
It’s the wrong time and shows a lack of empathy for the financial challenges faced by our residents.
We need a gentle approach to the changes, not all at once like this.
Despite the Conservative group's efforts to protect the interests of the community, we were ultimately up against the majority Labour group, which voted through their own proposals.
