FOUR town councillors have criticised the council for spending money they say residents can't afford. 

Winsford Town Council received £633,827 from residents’ council tax in 2022/23 to provide services including recreation ground maintenance, milk for primary school children, allotments, giving grants to community projects, and putting on events such as the Christmas Street Fair.  

The town council voted to increase the sum they receive each year - known as their 'precept' - at a meeting of full council on Monday, January 20, where the motion recommending a five per cent increase was passed 11 votes to three. 

However, the council’s four independent members all believe that the tax rise is not needed, instead proposing a zero percent rise along with efficiency savings to avoid contributing to financial hardship across the town, but their proposal was voted down.

In a statement released jointly by the four independent councillors, Cllr Ernie Welch said: "Since 2018/19 the town council budget has grown by a quarter of a million pounds in four years, which is an increase of nearly 60 per cent.

“Residents of Winsford have very little to show for that.

Northwich Guardian: Cllr Ernie Welch (Newsquest)Cllr Ernie Welch (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

“Most of the money has been spent on overcharged items, such as £20,000 to erect Christmas lights, £350 per hour room charges for council meetings, and staff increases and charges for overtime.”

Cllr David Edwards said: "I supported a zero per cent increase to help the residents of Winsford financially in these difficult times.

“This would still allow for money to be spent on town centre toilet provision which residents have requested time and time again, and an increase of funding to junior clubs and play schemes at the youth centre."

Cllr Welch went on to claim that repeated calls for Labour councillors to protect residents from unnecessary tax rises have not been heeded.

He added: "The council already have more than £700,000 per year to spend and still Labour want to squeeze households by putting up the council tax. It is time for a change in Winsford."

Cllr Joanne Moorcroft, mayor of Winsford and member of the Labour majority group, said: “I am proud of the free school milk for children, excellent parks, community grants and town events that Winsford Town Council provides.

Inflationary pressures mean an increase to the Winsford Town Council precept by a few pence per month protects services that make a difference to the everyday lives of many - now more than ever communities need hope.”