Following their recent full council meeting, Bude-Stratton Town Council have decided not to raise the precept for the coming year.

The meeting which took place on December 1, saw councillors discuss the budget and changes to the precept or the coming year.

Cllr Peter La Broy opened discussions, stating: “Setting the precept is never an easy thing to do, because we are asking the people of Bude to pay out of their pockets to support the activities of the council.”

Throughout the meeting there was much discussion as to whether it would appropriate to raise the precept this year. Some councillors believed it would be necessary have a percentage increase.

Cllr La Broy continued: “From what I see, this council has an appetite to be a progressive council and do some very supportive activities for our community […] but it does cost money.”

However, other councillors believed that given the current cost of living, a rise would be unfair to residents given the council’s reserve.

Cllr Philippa Purchase said: “ I think the argument we cannot make is that we need the increase money; I think it is unarguable with the predicted expenditure next year. With day-to-day and projects, we can easily afford that with what we have.

“I think we are sitting on a mountain of tax payer’s money […] My view is that we should stand in solidarity with our residents this year and demonstrate to them that we understand in this year, the worst of years, we are not going to make their burdens worse.”

After voting on the matter, it was decided to freeze the precept.

Mayor Cllr Amanda Tame said: “With the cost of living hitting hard, people are choosing between heating or food, and it will very likely get worse before it gets better.

“While our costs as a council have gone up just like everyone else’s, we have voted not to raise next year’s town council precept. Many councils across Cornwall are having to increase their precept in line with inflation and more, but we feel that this is the toughest year for many.

“We will look at other ways to close that shortfall and for this year, at least, we are providing the services the town needs without adding to everyone’s financial burden.”