Concerns over rising council tax bills have spilled into public view, with questions raised about transparency and communication as residents react to a significant increase.
Speaking at a town council meeting, councillors acknowledged frustration among residents following a 26% rise in council tax, with criticism directed at how the changes had been communicated.
At the meeting on Thursday, March 26, Councillor James Buczkowski said the reaction from residents ranged “from raised concerns through to outright frustration”.
Cllr Buczkowski said: “As we’re all aware, council tax bills have started to land across the parish. Quite understandably and predicted the response to the council’s 26% increase is raised concerns through to outright frustration.
“That reaction was anticipated when we set the budget, but I must say it needs to be set in context that a 26% increase equates to £39 per year or 75p per week for a band D.”
He added that councillors had been mindful of the cost of living pressures when agreeing the budget.
He said: “Even so we were very mindful that any increase during a cost of living crisis should be justified and the budget was agreed on the basis it enabled investment in priorities that the residents have told us that matter.”
However, he criticised the lack of communication following the decision.
Cllr Buczkowski said: “As part of that process I believe members were quite clear that we needed to accompany the budget with proper communication so residents understood the increase and what it was going to deliver for the town.
“I’m disappointed that to date there has been no meaningful engagement or communication with the precept or budget.
“There’s been no press release, no explanation on our primary social media channel and the latest budget isn’t even on our website.
“It is hidden within the minutes but the last budget published was 2024/25.
“That’s not what was agreed and really we should be doing better with residents.
“The question is why haven’t we publicised the budget and what it’s going to deliver for the town as requested.”
Responding at the meeting, town clerk Dan Ledger acknowledged the delay.
Mr Ledger said: “You’re right, it hasn’t gone out as early as I’d like.
“What I have done is created a set of infographics for council to sign off so they’re happy with the information we’re sending out to residents.
“I was planning to show it to members after this meeting and so once agreed with membership it will go out first thing tomorrow.”
Following the meeting, Cullompton Town Council posted on social media.
