IT has been estimated that more than £1,000,000 will be needed this year to cover the cost of Launceston Town Council’s services.

The budget was agreed upon by members of the council during an extraordinary meeting held on January 31. 

It was confirmed that, in order to cover the cost of services and staffing requirements, the council will have an estimated expenditure of £1,104,271 for the new financial year. The council say they can generate £225,020 from council-owned assets with the remainder being generated through the precept which this year stands at £879,251. This results in a council tax increase (for a Band D property) of 0.02%.

A town council spokesperson confirmed: “For the forthcoming financial year, the council have estimated that to operate the services we provide, along with adequate staffing requirements, will require an estimated expenditure of £1,104,271. To achieve this, we will generate £225,020 from our own assets (hall hire, car parks etcetera).

“The remainder will be raised by us charging a precept (council tax). This year that amounts to a charge of £879,251.”

The spokesperson continued: “The cost of Council Tax is always shown as an average, which by default is a Band D property. 

“To calculate this Band D cost, we divide the amount of precept we need, in this case £879,251, by the tax base we are provided by Cornwall Council. That figure for 2023/24 is 3,207.87.  Therefore a Band D property in Launceston will be charged £274.09. This is an increase of 0.02%.

“Within the annual budget are a number of items that cannot be overcome, namely rates, utilities, insurances and staffing costs. In addition, the grant received from Cornwall Council has now been permanently removed, meaning a loss to the town council of £13,384 per year.”

Launceston Town Council are responsible for a number of properties in the town, many of which help to generate an income. The spokesperson continued: “The range of assets and services which Launceston Town Council is responsible for is considerable. 

“As well as the Town Hall and Guildhall, we also own the Ambulance Hall venue and operate a cemetery, maintain a closed cemetery, run a multi-storey car park, maintain four sets of public toilets, the historic Southgate Arch, Lawrence House Museum, Newport Roundhouse, Priory Ruins and a rest garden, a Visitor Information Centre, a library, Windmill Wood, three play areas, three allotment sites, a coach park, and band room. 

“The council also manages the Town Square and Parade Ground. 

“In addition, the council actively supports many of the events and festivals which take place in the town, provides the Christmas Lights for the town and gives grants to local organisations. The town council is responsible for public seats, some public lights and bus shelters, extensive grass cutting and horticultural work across the town.

“Within the Town Hall we provide a wide and varied range of arts and cultural events, aiming to provide something for all age groups. 

“Our venues are used by community groups, schools, charitable organisations and businesses and ensure that Launceston is identified as a town with provision for many.”

They confirmed that these town council services are provided at a total cost of 75 pence per day to a council B and D household.