At their first meeting of the New Year members of Tenby Town Council have agreed their budget for 2022/23.

In figures that came before members, based on the Council Tax base for 2022/23, an increase in the Band D equivalent precept levy to £69.95 - an uplift of £1.95 on last year - (2.8 per cent) would be finalised.

At the meeting, the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall asked if councillors were happy to agree, with Clr. Mike Evans stating that he was happy with the Clerk’s precept of £69.95, adding that it was an ‘exciting programme of administration’ by this council.

“We are reliant on Pembrokeshire County Council’s support and favour but Tenby Town Council must get funds in place to get us on our way to what we want to do,” he told his fellow members.

The Mayor thanked the Clerk and his assistant for their hard work, and it was resolved that the Council’s budget for 2022/23 be confirmed and Pembrokeshire County Council be notified that the Precept requirement would be £224,098.81.

Speaking after the meeting, town clerk Andrew Davies said that this budget was designed to enable Tenby town council to undertake works that PCC may no longer be in a position to fund, including - an extensive capital works programme to repair and replace broken railings and street furniture around the town; undertake works to public gardens to make them more manageable going forward; to replace ageing play equipment for younger children at the Jubilee play park (as well as providing CCTV coverage of the play park); and to make further improvements to the Christmas lighting scheme.

He said that the budget also includes provision to bring online services to several public buildings e.g. Augustus Place, and to employ a Community Engagement officer to work with local organisations that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic to provide them with support in increasing membership numbers and to explore funding opportunities for them.

“It is envisaged that some of these works will benefit from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund, but provision has been included to ensure we have the required match funding,” added Mr. Davies.