Town councillor defects to Tories over council tax rise
Cllr David Poole says he wants the best services at the lowest cost for his residents
A former independent councillor on Chippenham Town Council has joined the Conservatives over the council’s inflation-busting council tax rise.
Cllr David Poole said he wanted to council to secure the “best possible services at the lowest possible cost.”
In January, the council signed off a 6.5 per cent increase in its precept – the amount of the overall council tax bill it receives.
The increase to £342.15 per year for the average Band D property brought the council’s precept for the year to £4.7 million – around 85 per cent of its running costs.
The council said it needed to increase taxes to pay for services.
Cllr Poole, who represents the Lowden and Rowden Ward, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I have always been open with my residents about my political beliefs, and I believe that joining the Conservative Group will strengthen my ability to stand up for those residents.
“My focus has always been, and remains, securing the best possible services at the lowest possible cost.
“I know how deeply the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many households, and it is vital that council tax increases are kept to a minimum and that services are run efficiently.”
Cllr Michael Owen, leader of the Conservative group on the Town Council and chairman of Chippenham Conservative Association said: “David’s steadfast commitment to his residents remains undimmed after many years of service as a town councillor, and before that as a North Wilts District Councillor.
“We look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.
“This year alone, we have seen an inflation-busting precept rise of 6.5 per cent when many people are already struggling to make ends meet.
“That includes £80,000 on consultancy fees, a huge marketing budget, not to mention ten thousand pounds on the mayoral allowance and entertainment budget.
“The Conservative group, now strengthened by Cllr Poole, will continue to hold the Liberal Democrats to account and put forward financially responsible plans for the people of Chippenham.”
The manoeuvre means there are now 11 Liberal Democrat councillors with six independents, four Conservatives, two Greens, and a single Reform UK councillor.
At last week’s mayor-making ceremony Liberal Democrat Matthew Bragg was invested as mayor, with Independent Nick Murry as deputy mayor.