ILKLEY residents will not see an increase in the amount of tax they pay to Ilkley Town Council in the forthcoming financial year.

The Council has set its budget for 2020-21 and the amount of money to be raised by local precept is £325,750.00.

On a tax base of 7,239 residents this equates to £44.99 per band D property.

Ilkley Mayor Mark Stidworthy said: “The precept supports important services that the town values, such as public toilets, the Visitor Information Centre, town flower beds and allotments.

“It pays to employ the Town Clerk team and the town centre lengthsman. It contributes to the health and well being of Ilkley residents through sporting, social and cultural activities, the Christmas lights and other events, as well as providing pastoral support.

“These activities benefit all sections of the community including our schoolchildren and older people.

“Precept funds ensure that we can undertake our statutory roles, such as reviewing planning applications and developing a Neighbourhood Plan to try and protect the town from inappropriate development.

“Over the last year, we have increasingly spent money on protecting and enhancing the local environment, for example through funding for investigations of water quality in the River Wharfe.

“In the year ahead, we will continue to weigh carefully the priorities of townspeople as we consider how we spend public funds, and hope that residents will continue to engage with the Town Council to let us know how you want to see your money being spent.”

Residents who live in a Band A property will pay an Ilkley Town Council precept of £30; band B £35; band C £40; band D £45; band E £55; band F £65; band G £75 and band H £90.

Bradford Council has already announced it plans to increase council tax by 1.9 per cent - plus there will be a two per cent social care precept to help support the district’s stretched care system.

The rise will mean a Band D household will have to pay an extra £54.79 a year.