Cardigan Town Council has announced a five per cent rise in its precept – the first increase since 2017.

In a statement to the Tivyside, members confirmed a resolution raising the precept to £90,022.00 had been passed at their budget meeting.

This will increase the band D property council tax by £1.63, for the year, to £47.96.

And it has emerged that the rise is partially down to the anticipated cost of the planned re-opening and running of the town’s Chancery Lane toilets – which have remained closed since suffering a spate of vandalism several years ago.

“This is the first increase in the town council tax for seven years, but due to rising costs and changing circumstances it was impossible to retain the amount of the precept for a further year,” runs the statement.
“Councillors are very aware of the current financial hardship endured by a large percentage of our community, and the expected increase applied by Ceredigion County Council to their charges for Ceredigion residents.

“But, on balance, the decision to increase the budget by five per cent was the best option to secure and increase the functions of the town council, hopefully absorbing some of the anticipated cuts in services made by the local authority.
“The council are confident that their efforts to re-open the Chancery Lane toilets will bear fruit this year, but the refurbishment is proving to be more costly than initially envisaged.

“Further annual running costs of the public conveniences have been factored into the budget.”
A total of £12,434 went to charities and good causes in the town during the 2023-24 financial year.

 Beneficiaries included Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi, Small World Theatre, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Cardigan Rowing Club, Cardigan Classic Car Club, St Dogmaels Junior Football Club, Wales Air Ambulance Charity, The Aloud Charity, Clarby Warriors Pan Disability Football Squad, Barley Saturday Committee and the River and Food Festival.

Town mayor Cllr Siân Maehrlein, intends to share the Mayor’s Fund of £1,000 to charities of her choice before the end of her term in office.