KNUTSFORD Town Council has sought to address concerns over a proposed rise in residents’ council tax bills.

The new town precept will see the average Knutsfordian pay £24 more in tax in 2020/21 – an increase of 37 per cent, or 46p a week over the 12-month period.

Band D taxpayers will see a town precept of £88 on their new bill, compared to £64 last year.

The increase was put down to costs associated with taking back 60 King Street from La Belle Epoque and the creation of new council staff roles.

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “Knutsford Town Council is aware of the recent comments in the Knutsford Guardian concerning the council’s 2020/21 budget and precept (our share of the council tax) and wishes to provide additional clarity on the changes and answer some people’s concerns.”

Adam highlighted 60 King Street as one contributor to the precept rise. Former tenant La Belle Epoque entered liquidation owing the town council just over £67,000 – primarily in legal fees.

Adam said: “Towards the end of the tenancy La Belle Epoque Limited had been failing to pay rent on time for almost three years and had been frustrating the council’s ability to undertake essential maintenance.

“While the town council took no pleasure in terminating the lease with the company we did so in the long-term interests of our taxpayers.

“The short-term consequence of the termination is that the council has incurred additional costs, including paying for the removal of the rubbish and furniture left by the tenant, additional maintenance of the vacant building and obtaining a new tenant. These have been in the region of £19,000.

“The town council had also spent just over £46,000 from its general reserve fund in the 2018 financial year to cover the cost of scheduled maintenance which it planned to cover from the 2019 rent.

“In total this left our year end position with a combined deficit of £132,000.”

The council is now choosing from bids from three prospective tenants, all of whom would undertake maintenance if successful.

It is anticipated that any of the new lease options would lead to a surplus by next year, allowing the council to reduce the precept.

In addition, the town council’s finance committee will be reviewing the council’s reserves policies to better accommodate any future changes.

Meanwhile, an extra £50,000 has been allocated to the council’s staff budget – although £20,000 of this is covered by the income from Knutsford Cemetery which the town council became responsible for in January.

A new events officer role aims to improve council’s events programme, while the town ranger has been given more hours to spend tackling the small jobs that matter to residents.

Adam said: “The new staffing structure ensures that the council has the staff it needs to deliver the varied services we provide to the Knutsford community.”

As part of the £88 Band D bill, taxpayers will be helping to fund services including the Citizens Advice service in Knutsford, public toilets, allotments, the market hall, a cemetery and Wallwood.

This year, the council will be renovating and creating gardens behind Booths and around the Chelford Road Obelisk, undertaking conservation area reviews, organising the Bunny Hop, Pumpkin Path, Music Festival, Christmas Lights and Christmas Market. There will also be a street party on The Moor to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Town mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy said: “As taxpayers ourselves, councillors are of course very conscious of the impact of any rise on our residents.

“We know that a 37 per cent increase sounds dramatic but encourage residents to consider the pounds and pence – this increase is £24.07 over 12 months, or 46p per week.”

“While it is too early to prepare our 2021 budget, I can say that we have the intention to reduce the precept next year and we fully expect we will be able to.

“As well as seeking to secure increased net income from 60 King Street, the council is looking to reduce the costs of operating its public toilets and looking to secure tenants for new commercial spaces it is creating within the buildings.

“We welcome scrutiny of our budget, which is available on our website, and invite residents with queries about any aspect of the budget to contact our town clerk.”