Enhanced Role for Town Council

11.26.56am GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

Morpeth Town Council will need to take on an increased community role when Castle Morpeth Borough Council disappears on 1st April 2009. The traditional role of Mayor is being taken over when the Chair of Morpeth Town Council becomes the Mayor of Morpeth. Some other services, such as management of the markets and allotments in the town, may also eventually be transferred. As no budget is to be transferred, the Town Council will need to raise the required funding through an increase in its share of the Council Tax. This adds approximately £2.10 a year to the Council Tax bill for a Band D payer. This is in addition to an increase of approximately £4.90 a year to cover increased costs in other Town Council services and a further £3.20 to make good the loss of income due to flooded households not paying council tax this year. Ken Brown, Chair of the Town Council said: "Although Northumberland County Council will now provide the services that were provided by the Borough Council, increasingly, Town Councillors will act as the first point of contact for residents. The close working relationship and dialogue between us and the 4 councillors who represent Morpeth at the County level will be critical in ensuring that we are able to deal with issues and help residents. Plans to meet regularly with neighbouring parish councils are also in hand. It's going to be a challenging year in local government but we will be doing our very best to ensure that the Town Council plays its part in making the transition a success."