RESIDENTS have been left "shocked" after learning Neston Town Council has increased their precept by 24.7 per cent on council tax bills.

The precept is the parish council's share of the council tax. The precept demand goes to the billing authority, the District Council, which collects the tax for the Parish Council.

The 'precept' is converted into an amount per Council Tax Band that is added onto the Council Tax bill.

A resident posted the following on social media yesterday (March 16): "Council tax bill arrived today.

"We were prepared for the forecast government max five per cent increase as announced.

"In shock that Neston Town Council raised their bill by an eye-watering 24.7 per cent."

Another added: "An explanation to justify the 24 per cent increase would be helpful."

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Mayor of Neston's comments

In a comment, Mayor of Neston, Cllr Pat Kynaston, said: "Neston Town Council commissioned an external review of our services and systems in 2022. The report, which is in the public domain, found that the Council was generally in a good position but it lacked a clear strategy going forward.

"It made several recommendations for a 5-year strategy and these were collated into a consultation document which was circulated widely around the Parish. This included taking a stand at the Neston market, with Cllrs present, three open sessions within the Town Hall and at regular Council surgeries at the library.

"In all these venue Councillors made themselves available to discuss the strategy and accept any consultation responses. Over 100 responses were received, which is considered an acceptable response for such consultations. These indicated responders’ priorities for the implementation of the strategy.

"In order to deliver this strategy, and what you have said you want from us as a priority, an increase in the Council’s precept is essential. Neston Town Council understands that this is, in percentage terms, a larger increase that we have ever asked for in the past, but in financial terms it is a small amount per household. A household within Band D rating will pay an additional £14 per year.

"A significant number of households in Neston are Bands C and below and these will pay less than £1 per month extra. Households qualifying for Council Tax relief do not pay this precept."

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