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No extension of referendum principles

No extension of referendum principles

Council tax referendum principles have not been extended to local (parish and town) councils in 2017/18.

The secretary of state for communities and local government, Sajid Javid MP, this morning announced the provisional local government finance settlement for 2017/18 in the House of Commons, an extract from his speech is below:

“Local [town and parish councils] play an important role in our civic life. We have decided that we will defer our proposals this year, while keeping the level of precepts set by town and parish councils under close review. I expect all town and parish councils to clearly demonstrate restraint when setting increases that are not a direct result of taking on additional responsibilities. I am also actively considering with the sector ways to make excessive increases more transparent to local taxpayers.”

Responding to the settlement the chairman of NALC, Cllr Sue Baxter said: 

“I very much welcome the government’s decision not to extend council tax referendum principles to any size of parish or town council in 2017/18. Parishes play an important role in communities and local democracy and I am pleased the secretary of state acknowledged this in his statement and he has listened to the sector’s concerns. I would urge councils to continue to be fiscally responsible and I am keen work with the government on ways to increase transparency and engagement with residents.”

 

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