BICESTER Town Council has signed off its budget for the next year with improvements to outdoor spaces top of the agenda.
During the new financial year, 2019/2020, the council will continue to invest in play areas and open space around the town, as well as support local services.
Plans for 2019 include at £30,000 makeover for Sunderland Drive park, which will get a zip wire, continuing financial support for the Citizens Advice Bureau and Shop Mobility scheme.
Organisations and charities across the town will get a financial boost in May when grants totalling £18,500 will be handed out.
Councillors have also agreed to maintain the 2018 fees for football pitches, allotments and cemetery charges.
In order to make the plans a reality, the town council’s share of the council tax will rise by 1.98% making an increase for a band D property £2.46 for the year– less than the price of a cup of coffee.
Council leader Richard Mould said: “We are excited to continue our investment in Bicester’s outdoor spaces which benefit all residents.
“Last year we made improvements to eight parks as part of a five-year initiative to update facilities. We collaborated with partners including Sport England and Cherwell District Council to finance the complete rebuild the skate park in Garth Park which provides a fantastic facility for young people.
“Importantly we are also able to continue to support local groups and organisations through our grants scheme.”
Precept definition: Parish and town councils have the right to raise money from their parishioners via the Council Tax process. They do this by ‘precepting’ on the principal council (Cherwell District Council) who levy on tax payers in that parish or town as part of the Council Tax billing.
Last Updated 23 July 2020
