Against a backdrop of severe financial pressure for local government, I’m pleased to report that Test Valley set an ambitious but balanced budget at its Full Council meeting late last month. Our below inflation council tax rise of 3.1 per cent protects front line services and is in stark contrast to the cost-cutting measures, significant tax increases and section 114 (bankruptcy) notices that some other councils have had to declare. That means an average bill of £163.91 for an entire year of Test Valley Borough Council services, £43 lower than the average charge for the rest of England. Not only to have your bin collected every week but to maintain the housing and homelessness, planning, licensing, countryside, parks & open spaces, environmental health, economic development and leisure services - as well as continuing with our ambitious plans to improve our town centres.

At the same meeting we also approved a funding strategy to move ahead with our priority regeneration projects for Romsey. This includes proposals to redevelop the bus station site; the provision of a new and improved hub for public transport in the area and a mixed-use development comprising community, commercial and residential uses.

I’m pleased that we were also able to find £7,000 worth of funding for the Test Valley Arts Foundation for the coming year. In receiving this money, TVAF have also been able to draw down £12,500 that Hampshire County Council had previously awarded them. The funding allows them to have a presence this year at several key outdoor events, such as the Romsey Show, Trout n About, The Museum of Army Flying Wheels and Wings, village fetes and more. So, I’m looking forward to catching up with them several times this summer.

Finally, Monday was Commonwealth Day. This year marking 75 years of the Commonwealth of Nations. To mark the occasion, Test Valley Borough Council flew the Commonwealth flag atop our council buildings, including the Former Magistrates Court here in Romsey. The Commonwealth Affirmation was read out in a short ceremony to refresh our commitment to the Commonwealth values of kinship, affinity and unity.”

 

Cllr Phil North

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council

Bourne Valley Ward Councillor

County Councillor for Andover South

 

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