As we approach the new financial year, we want to inform you about a necessary update regarding the Rothwell Town Council precept.
What is the Precept?
The precept is the amount of money the Town Council requests from North Northamptonshire
Council to fund essential services and community projects.
Historical Context
Rothwell Town Council always makes every effort to manage its budget effectively. Over recent years, we have increased precept at a relatively small scale compared to other councils yet over the past two years specifically we are proud at just how much we have managed to achieve. There is still much work to be done and Rothwell’s councillors will do all that they can to fight for the town, for what they and our residents believe is right and to strive to maintain Rothwell’s position as one of the best and most unique market towns in the Country.
Understanding the Increase
Costs, rising utilities and the cost of living have necessitated an increase in this year’s precept yet again. In setting our budget, we have made amendments that will only help us to continue on our journey.
We are mindful that there will almost definitely become a need for towns and parishes to inherit the delivery of some key services. Finances are incredibly squeezed for all authorities, and this has already and will continue to mean that vital services are either reduced or removed altogether. In recent years, Rothwell has taken on the costs associated with Christmas, our tree, the lights, and associated costs are now all funded by Rothwell and this year, the planting of the towns planters falls to the town too. In considering the precept, we are taking steps to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be, should further services fall to Rothwell.
The precept will rise from £115,000 to £152,250 reflecting a 29% increase. The following table shows how the precept has changed and the impact that this will have on each council tax band:
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | Increase % | |||
| Precept | £115,000 | £152,250 | 32.39% | ||
| Tax Base | 2,825.00 | 2,897.00 | 2.55% | ||
| Band A | £27.14 | £35.04 | 29.10% | £7.90 | £0.15 |
| Band B | £31.66 | £40.88 | 29.10% | £9.21 | £0.18 |
| Band C | £36.18 | £46.71 | 29.10% | £10.53 | £0.20 |
| Band D | £40.71 | £52.55 | 29.10% | £11.85 | £0.23 |
| Band E | £49.75 | £64.23 | 29.10% | £14.48 | £0.28 |
| Band F | £58.80 | £75.91 | 29.10% | £17.11 | £0.33 |
| Band G | £67.85 | £87.59 | 29.10% | £19.74 | £0.38 |
| Band H | £81.42 | £105.11 | 29.10% | £23.69 | £0.46 |
For a Council Tax Band D household, the increase equates to £11.85 per year, or just 23p per
week.
Not everyone lives in a Band D household, many in Rothwell are A, B or C so your increase may vary depending on your home’s banding. The above table helps to understand what this will be. We understand the challenges households face with rising costs, and we have worked hard to keep the impact as minimal as possible.
Where Your Money Goes
Achievements and Plans for Rothwell Town Council Rothwell Town Council has achieved significant milestones for our community. Some of these accomplishments are listed below along with our projects and plans for 24/25:
- Transfer of ownership and redevelopment of Rothwell’s memorial garden (ongoing)
- The introduction of a quarterly town newsletter delivered to every home in the town
- £25000 towards the redevelopment of Greening Road Park
- Jubilee, Coronation and many other events/ Saturday bands
- Christmas festivities for all ages
- The roll out of a brand-new Town Council website
- The creation of a new Town Council role from May 2024 that will focus on community, community groups, including work with the Lord of the Manor, business engagement, events and council projects
- Re-establishing Rothwell Youth Club
- A commitment to ‘Save Rothwell’s Green Space’ from development
- The completion of our Neighbourhood Plan
- A brand-new Town App
- Support for the warm spaces and other Community Grants
- A joint partnership with Desborough looking at access to healthcare in our growing towns
- Exciting future community projects…
We are very proud to be an award-winning council, voted NCALCs council of the year for 23/24 in October 2023 with specific recognition of the journey travelled and all the good things that are happening/ planned to happen in the town.
Conclusion
We appreciate your understanding in these challenging times. As your Town Council, we are committed to transparent communication and responsible financial management. Thank you for your continued support.