Anger at Town Council’s proposed 23.8% rise in precept

A Public Meeting will take place this evening at 6pm at Burry Port Memorial hall to discuss Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council’s proposed 23.8% rise in the precept.

Former councillors and members of the public have expressed their concerns and claim that the council has lost its way as a responsible Local Government Public Body.

A leaflet criticising the council highlights spending on staffing, well-being and administration as being out of control swallowing 75% of the council precept. The leaflet claims the council received £2.86m from local tax payers in the last 6 years and that community standards have deteriorated. Productivity and performance have reached an all time low they claim.

There has even been a petition signed by over 600 people to remove one councillor Emyr Evans.

There are claims that the council is spending money on vanity projects as well as hospitality and catering. It is they claim a town council trying to be all things to all people at the expense of the community.

The leaflet states that the 23.8% rise is exceptionally high and one of the highest council tax rates in the county. It goes on to say that it raises questions about the council’s financial situation and decision-making in recent years.

The public are calling for greater accountability and better financial management.

We contacted the Town Council and asked if they could confirm that the planned rise is 23.8% and if so when would this come into being.

We also asked them to respond to claims that the council have been irresponsible in their financial management and have spent 75% on hospitality and admin and the claims that the council’s standards and performance have reached an all time low.

Historically there have been a number of battles between the public and Burry Port Town Council over governance, accountability and spending . This evening’s meeting may prove to be another flashpoint with questions being asked.