Council scraps controversial cuts to bowling greens and Middleton Crematorium after public outcry.
Locals spoke up, and the council listened. These cuts were part of a plan that included a council tax increase. The council tax could rise by 4.99 percent, and they’ll vote on it soon, on February 26.
The council needs to save money, about £5.5 million. They considered cutting bowling green funds, which would have dropped from £60,000 to £30,000. Also, they thought about removing the old cremator.
But after hearing from residents, they changed course. The council leader, Neil Emmott, said they’ll keep things as they are and that he wants to buy a new cremator too. He said the government helped out this year, giving them some breathing room.
Councils have had a tough time lately. He hopes the government finds new ways to fund local services.
However, the £30 bin replacement fee is still on, but you only pay if you got the same bin recently. “Recently” means in the last five years. Also, some council fees are going up by two percent, which could earn the council £84,000. These fees cover things like pest control and bouncy castle rentals.