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FAQs on the precept consultation

After negotiations with Cheshire East Council, Bollington Town Council has agreed to recommend to residents that we should pay for Pool Bank to remain free of charges and for the proposed cuts in Library hours to be restored. Unless Bollington Town Council can gain the agreement of residents, drivers will be charged to use Pool Bank and the Library will be cut back to 11 hours per week from the new year.

What does this mean for residents and the precept?


If the Town Council goes ahead, this would increase the current precept payment for a council tax Band D home from £89.78 to £124.98 which equates to £35.20 per year, an increase of £2.93 per month. This does not take into account further funding requests from Cheshire East or inflation  increases which may also impact the precept.

The autumn newsletter includes a consultation response form. Collection boxes will be at the following drop off points, the Town Hall, the Library,  the Co-op, Tesco, the Leisure Centre, Grimshaw Lane Corner Store and Chadwicks Newsagents.

The Consultation will run from 14th October 2024 until the 15th November 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the Library if the Town Council does not contribute 16.5 hours per week of staff time?
In this case, Cheshire East Council will revert to its proposal issued in July 2024 that only three half days (11 hours) per week will be provided.

Will the Town Council pay a penalty to Cheshire East Council if it withdraws from the agreement to fund the car Park and Library agreements as a result of the public consultation?
No

Are there legal contracts between the Town and Cheshire East Councils?The contracts are in the process of being drafted and agreed.

Will Bollington Library still be part of the Cheshire East Library service, entitling members to use other libraries?
Yes, regardless of which way the public consultation goes

Who will manage Pool Bank Car park if the Town Council proposal goes ahead?
Cheshire East Council will still maintain the car park but there will be no charges for parking there.

What is the monthly increase per council tax band?
Monthly increase per band

 

 

Can the Town Council introduce charges of its own on Pool Bank car park?
No. Cheshire East Council own the car park and hence Bollington Town Council has no right to introduce charges of its own.

If I have not received a Consultation form, where can I get one?
Please contact the Town Hall on 01625 572985 or email [email protected]

Where do I return the Consultation form?
Ballot boxes will be at the following locations from 14th October until 15th November – Town Hall, Tesco, Coop, Leisure Centre, Library, Grimshaw Lane Corner Store and Chadwicks Newsagents.

What is the closing date for the Consultation?
15th November

Who can complete and sign the form?
One resident from each house in Bollington

When will the result of the consultation be announced?
The result will be announced in the week before the Full Council meeting scheduled for 3rd December.

Are you having an online consultation?
The council resolved to conduct a consultation, both on paper and online, before making a final decision on this matter. The online part is taking place during the same timeframe as the paper one, and in the form of email response as well as answering questions on Social Media. While all correspondence will be read and processed by the councillors and/council staff, the response to the paper forms will be used to determine the outcome of the consultation. Should you wish to contribute the paper consultation but not have access to a physical form, please email the Town Clerk who will assist you further.