Town Council Budget for the coming year
Saturday, 25 February 2023
For the year 2023-2024, the Town Council budget will tackle the Climate Emergency, the Cost of Living Crisis and support the Hebden Bridge Picture House
The Town Council has unanimously voted to pass a budget that addresses urgent local needs.
Despite inflation and the loss of its grant from Calderdale Council of over £40,000, the Town Council is making more resources available to the Climate Emergency Committee which sees its budget increase to over £25,000 as it looks to further enhance the High Hirst site and starts to explore opportunities for residents regarding retrofitting their homes.
The Town Council has increased its contingency specifically to support those needing help as a consequence of the cost of living crisis, ensuring it is prepared for requests for assistance.
Community Funding continues to be well funded with over £84,000 available in grants to local groups.
Councillor Richard Needham, Chair of Strategy and Review said, "These are tough times and we wanted to keep the increase as low as possible – so over the whole year it is just £5.82 for a Band D property - about the cost of a couple of cups of coffee - most properties in Hebden Royd are found in bands lower than Band D, so for many the increase will be less.
"Events will continue to provide a focus for the Town Council with Happy Hounds, the Pumpkin Festival and the Festive Light Up the Valley returning once more in 2023. The Hebden Bridge Picture House will also be supported as it continues to build following its extended Covid enforced closure in 2020/21."
Councillor Jane Hoyle, Mayor of Hebden Royd said, "Our events and the Picture House draw visitors to our town, it is important we retain that attraction and encourage our warm welcome to visitors continue. The Picture House, through the Friends of the Picture House will build on regular past visits from our Friends at the St Augustine's Centre in Halifax and continue to host the Hebden Bridge Film Club and well as the Film Festival.
"We will once again be dressing both Hebden Bridge & Mytholmroyd with Hanging Baskets this summer, its something I know many appreciate."
Cllr Needham commented on the need to increase the Precept:
We can't pretend that we can maintain the support we offer Hebden Royd without some level of increase. For what we offer to those in need, the support to the voluntary sector, whilst safeguarding our Picture House we believe this is a great deal for Council Tax payers.
Further information available from the Town Clerk, Hebden Royd Town Council, email or tel: 01422 842181 or on the Town Council website.