Cromer Town Council is under pressure to rethink a proposed tax hike after a packed public meeting where residents voiced their concerns.
Cromer: The town council is feeling the heat after suggesting a whopping 49% increase in council tax. This proposal was brought up during a recent public meeting that saw around 200 locals show up to voice their opinions.
People were so eager to attend that the line stretched outside the hall, and some were even turned away because it was full. The meeting was all about discussing the tax hike and the future of the council’s offices at North Lodge, which might need a costly renovation.
By the end of the night, a parish poll was proposed, allowing residents to vote on whether the council should sell North Lodge and move to smaller offices. They also wanted to limit any tax increase to just 10% instead of the proposed 49%.
As the meeting wrapped up, Mayor Pat West was asked if he’d reconsider the tax hike. He said he would call for an extraordinary council meeting to discuss it before the February 7 deadline.
Throughout the meeting, many residents expressed their frustration over the tax increase and the expensive North Lodge. One resident, Carole Thomas, who rallied people to attend, questioned the council’s spending habits and whether the proposed renovations were worth it.
Others chimed in, saying that many in the room struggle to pay their bills and don’t need a fancy council office. The mayoral cadet even mentioned that selling North Lodge could leave the council in a tough spot.
Despite the strong turnout and the parish poll, it’s important to note that the final decision still rests with the councillors. The council claims the tax increase is necessary due to rising costs, and if it goes through, a typical band D taxpayer would see their bill jump from £98.01 to £146.19.
Mark your calendars! There’s another meeting set for February 24 at 7 PM to discuss the precept for the next year.
