12/02/2026
MY PROPOSAL TO BLYTH TOWN COUNCIL.
Dear Town Council Members,
I am writing to submit a detailed request that the Town Council formally considers freezing the town council precept element of council tax for the NEXT TWO FINANCIAL YEARS.
Residents continue to face sustained financial pressure from multiple directions. Over the past few years, household costs have increased significantly, including energy bills, food prices, fuel, mortgage and rent payments, insurance premiums, and general day to day living expenses.
While inflation rates may fluctuate year to year, the cumulative effect on household budgets remains substantial. Many working families, pensioners on fixed incomes, and vulnerable residents are still adjusting to higher baseline costs and reduced disposable income.
As elected representatives, we are voted in by the people to represent their interests and to act in response to their real-world concerns.
A consistent message from residents is that affordability and household costs remain a top priority. Freezing the precept for two years would show that we are listening and acting responsibly on their behalf, not simply increasing charges by default but making deliberate, people-focused decisions.
Although the town council precept is only one portion of the overall council tax bill, it is the most locally visible and directly controlled element.
Freezing it for two years would send a strong and
ractical message that the Council recognises the strain on residents and is prepared to take action within its own powers. Even relatively small annual increases compound over time, particularly for households already balancing rising essential costs.
There are several practical reasons why a two-year freeze is both reasonable and responsible. A precept freeze provides predictable household budgeting stability during ongoing cost-of-living pressures. It demonstrates financial discipline and prioritisation within the Council’s spending plans. It encourages internal efficiency reviews and value-for-money assessments across projects and operational costs. It builds public trust and transparency by showing that increases are not automatic but carefully justified. It also allows time to pursue alternative funding sources such as grants, partnerships, shared services, and phased capital delivery instead of immediate tax rises.
I recognise that the Council must maintain service standards and meet its statutory and community obligations. However, before any increase is considered, I respectfully suggest that a full expenditure efficiency audit is carried out, non-essential capital projects are deferred or phased where appropriate, external grant funding and regional support schemes are actively pursued, shared procurement or joint service arrangements are reviewed, reserves policy is examined to ensure balances are proportionate and strategically used, and residents are consulted on spending priorities compared with precept levels.
A time-limited two-year freeze is not a permanent restriction. It is a measured response to current economic realities and public expectation. It would allow the Council to reassess conditions after that period using updated financial forecasts and resident feedback.
I respectfully ask that this proposal be formally tabled for discussion and that financial modelling for a two-year freeze scenario be presented alongside any proposed increase options so that elected members and the public can make a fully informed comparison.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the community.
Yours faithfully,
Councillor Brian Erskine
Cowpen ward
Blyth
