A town council has proposed a significant rise in the council tax precept as it looks to bring it more in line with those of neighbouring towns and parishes.
Hexham Town Council's new budget contained a proposal to raise the precept by 28 per cent after it was discovered that residents were paying significantly less than people living in other towns in Northumberland.
Under the current precept, a family living in a Band D property in Hexham would pay £77.94 in council tax to the town council each year.
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This compares to £127.67 in Haltwhistle, £114.54 in Prudhoe and £122.73 in Morpeth.
Those living in Choppington and Newbiggin by the Sea pay significantly more, at £161.20 and £173.38 respectively.
Under the new proposals, Hexham residents would pay £99.79 per year to the town council, an increase of 43p per week and still putting the precept lower than the county's comparable towns and parishes.
Currently, a Band D property in Hexham would pay £2,045.54 per year in council tax, although this is likely to rise in the next financial year by a "modest and sustainable" amount, according to Northumberland County Council's budget consultation.
It comes after the new-look town council, which saw several new members elected in the May 2021 elections, agreed an ambitious four-year action plan to revitalise the town centre.
In recent years a number of businesses have left the town and there are a significant number of empty premises.
The town's mayor, Cllr Derek Kennedy, called the proposal "brave."
He said: “The new Hexham Town Council is ambitious and wants to influence the future of the town positively. We want to have more events such as the Jubilee, 800 th Market Place anniversary and 1900 th Hadrian Wall celebrations.
"The popular Bandstand Session will return in the Spring and Summer. We will build on our work to engage with communities and develop our sustainability plans. This is an exciting time for Hexham and builds on our award as the happiest place in Great Britain.
"We are looking to introduce a brand new £150,000 skatepark with town council donating at least £25,000, we have a donation of £81,000 from County Council Section 106 scheme and we are seeking other contributions to achieve this dream. "
"The increase is only an additional 43 pence per week. Hexham Town Council has been way behind our sister town councils in charges and even with this increase it still keeps us as the lowest chargers in Northumberland.
"The previous town council has for years been very pedestrian in its outlook and the people voted for change and we are changing this town for the better.
"I spoke to all the new councillors and said 'lets be brave.' People elected us because they want change.
"A lot of what I hear from members of the public is asking why is Hexham not as good as Morpeth. This is one of the reasons why."
The action plan also includes work towards:
- Progressing the sustainability action plan
- Support tourism
- Gain quality status
- Retain the Green Flag award for St Andrew's Cemetery
- Work towards more affordable housing
- Ensure the cemetery does not run at a loss
- improve the skatepark and play facilities
The town council say the plan cannot be achieved without additional financial resources.
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