LAUNCESTON Town Council has set its budget for 2019/20 — with a £90,059 increase on last year’s figure.

The budget was discussed at the full council meeting on January 15.

Councillors were asked to consider a budget of £963,976. This requirement will by funded by £252,869 generated from the town council’s assets (hall hire, car park income and TIC sales). The CTS grant accounts for £26,403 and the grants associated with the library takeover account for £19,583.

The remaining £657,121 will be funded by the council’s precept.

The figures equate to an increase of £90,059 on last year’s precept, or 15.9%.

The effect on the Band D properties is an increase of £24.86 or 12.7% to £219.99, with a cost per day of 60p. Increases were due to salaries and wages with the additional members of staff from the library; a Lawrence House Museum grant; pension lump sum; an earmarked amount for future property maintenance and equipment; computer costs and Christmas lighting.

In discussing the proposed budget, Cllr John Conway noted that one major item will be the take-over of the library from Cornwall Council.

It was originally hoped that the council would take on the library in April, but if it is later in the year, Cllr Conway said there would be a saving to make there.

Mayor, Margaret Young said it would not be the date that was originally agreed and there would be a saving.

But Cllr Brian Hogan said: “I’d sooner have some money left over than not enough money. That’s the way the council is very forward thinking in that respect. We all realise that some things arrive on our doorsteps unexpectantly and if there’s no money left to pay it then you’re stuck.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien applauded the fact that money had been allocated to specific reserves, adding: “It’s to be welcomed to ensure that we have enough money in the kitty.”

He said he was happy with the budget and proposed the figure.This was seconded by Cllr Conway.

Cllr Dave Gordon said: “As a council we all know nobody likes to see our taxes go up, but the town council has taken on more services.”

However, Cllr Jess Williams noted that in the town there are areas of deprivation, claiming that these are within the 20% most deprived areas in England.

She told fellow councillors that the Foodbank assists a number of families who face financial challenges.

“For me this is not just about the cost. People are facing year after year financial pressures.”

Cllr O’Brien said: “It’s absolutely no use cutting it without specifying where and to what extent it should be cut. Give specific proposals that we can make cuts, I will listen to them.”

Cllr Williams said she took his point and made reference to the increase surrounding the Christmas lights, ice rink and wage increase, but Cllr Young said there is a £1,500 increase for the lights, £8,000 to finance the ice rink, which will be self finding, and £797 staffing increase.

She continued: “I’m very happy to support the budget. The town has got lots of positives about it. The Christmas lights are an absolute bonus to the town; people enjoy them. The late night shopping is testament to how the town turns out.”

A vote was taken and the proposal to agree the budget was carried.