TOWN councillors approved a 6.5 per cent rise in the authority’s share of the council tax at a meeting on Monday (January 12).
Homeowners in a band D property will pay the town council £47.88 per year, an increase of £2.93 a year from £44.95.
While the rise is the biggest increase in five years, the total amount works out at increase of 25p a month for those in band D properties.
Council chiefs have also budgeted for May’s council election which are set to cost £14,000 as well as staff wages, maintenance of town council run sites and money for tourism in Evesham.
The issue of tourism and improving Evesham led the discussion with many councillors proposing an increase to ensure services could be retained.
Coun Gerry O’Donnell said he felt the council should avoid making cuts from areas such as tourism, especially with the town plan, set to be presented in March.
“It’s pence a month and I think if the voters know that money was going to be spent on projects they have asked for, I think quite honestly that would be money well spent.” he said.
“It’s spending in areas residents of this town want it to be spent.”
Coun Mark Goodge said: “While recommending a tax increase doesn’t come naturally to me in this particular case I think it’s
the right course of action.
“The next financial year will prove a difficult one I would like to see usable to spend money where it’s necessary.”
Coun Richard Jones lent his support to the proposals and said: “The town plan has taken two years to come to fruition.
“A lot of toil and sweat been put into it. It reflects the views of the town.
“To cut a budget now seems crazy.”
