MIDDLEWICH residents will be a little better off following confirmation of the 2018/19 budget.

Middlewich Town Council has agreed to reduce its precept from £414,053 to £410,755.

The cost per Band D property has been reduced from £86.95 to £84.90 – a saving of £2.05 per household.

Its overall budget for the next financial year is £510,055, up from £477,129 in 2017/18.

The budget sets out £12,000 for various events, down from £12,550, including the Folk and Boat Festival, the Christmas Fayre and the Classic Car and Bike Show.

Middlewich Vision have had their funding slashed by fifty per cent. The community group will now receive £2,000 and will not receive any funds for events.

The council has allocated £15,000 for general maintenance, callouts, office accommodation, decoration and repair of council buildings.

In addition, £42,500 has also been allocated in this year’s budget for community safety

Jonathan Williams, Middlewich Town Council clerk, said the council has not yet decided whether or not it will proceed with a service level agreement for a PCSO post.

Mr Williams said: “The Middlewich Town Council budget for 2018-19 represents value for money for Middlewich residents, businesses, stakeholders and for Middlewich Town Council itself.

“The council has listened to local concerns and has addressed many local priorities and needs in the setting of this budget.

“The process has been extensive, detailed, professional and responsible in order to set a budget that allows Middlewich Town Council to be fit for purpose and function, in order to carry out the duties, provide the events and activities, carry out its statutory functions and to meet the responsibilities that it has chosen to undertake.

“Middlewich Town Council takes its role very seriously and is acutely aware of its role as the custodian and the heart of the wonderful Community of Middlewich.”

“At an average cost of £84.90 for the year (reduction of £2.05), the Town Council invites all members of the Community to come to FAB, Classic Car & Bike Show, the Oscars, Markets, Christmas Fayre and all the Civic events, and to take part in the Vision Action Plan consultation and development of the Neighbourhood Plan.”

Mr Williams said the council will retain the Victoria Building and Hall, keep Southway toilets open and support the Allotments.

He said the council will also seek major external funding to support heritage projects and to secure investments in our parks and play areas.

Middlewich Town Council ratified its 2018/19 budget earlier this month.