As you may have heard on your doorsteps, or read in the Adver, the current council is seeking to implement new Parish Councils across Swindon, with West Swindon being affected by these plans.
As you may have heard on your doorsteps, or read in the Adver, the current council is seeking to implement new Parish Councils across Swindon, with West Swindon being affected by these plans. A range of local services is planned to be delivered by the new Parish Councils, which will result in an extra £75 rise in household bills with a Parish Precept, in addition to an expected 1.9% rise from the Borough Council. This could lead to an annual rise of £120 a year for band D properties over 3 years.
Any Council Tax rise above 2% requires a referendum; however, the Conservative run Council would avoid this by introducing Parish Councils and charging the Parish Precept. This is profoundly undemocratic. Everybody has a fundamental right to access democracy, so I urge you to contact your current Councillors and demand a referendum is held in each individual ward if the Council decides to pursue this parishing plan.