Labour is calling for a referendum before any new parishes are created in Swindon challenging the right of the Conservative administration to impose new structures the public have not requested.
Labour is calling for a referendum before any new parishes are created in Swindon challenging the right of the Conservative administration to impose new structures the public have not requested.
The plans make the parishes responsible for delivering services such as minor repairs to roads, maintenance of open spaces and play areas, street cleaning and lighting. Under the Council’s plans, these services would be paid for in future through a parish precept added to your council tax, as would the cost of running the parish council (the Parish Clerk’s salary, office expenses, public liability insurance etc). Not only would taxpayers end up paying more, but the level of service delivery would vary according to where you live. There will be no rebate on council tax for the services the council will no longer be providing so you wiil be effectively paying twice for the same provision.
The overwhelming majority of residents who attended the recent public meeting opposed the imposition of parishes and were in favour of holding a referendum.