Ryde Town Council has set a balanced budget without the need to raise the precept – meaning those living in the town won’t pay more on their council tax bill for the local element in 2020/21.
The real bonus is that the council has, through efficiency savings, funds available to expand services without raising taxes this year. Through careful financial management and reorganisation in the current 2019/20 financial year, the council will be able in 2020/21 to move ahead with a number of exciting new projects.
The Town Council met on Monday (3rd February) and voted in favour of the proposed budget.
Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley says:
“I am proud to be Mayor of this fabulous Town and was pleased to Chair such an exciting meeting that has brought real positivity, opportunity, and good news for Ryde residents.
“Ryde Town Council in the year 2019/20 pushed through some exciting new projects which, alongside careful financial management, enables us to expand services in 20/21 without increasing the precept. We simply are getting more value for money for our residents.
“Projects for 2020/21 include a partnership with Historic England to improve the High Street and Union Street, potentially taking over the Harbour, and continued support for the many Ryde community groups and businesses that make Ryde unique and special. 20/21 will see investment in the town, its community, its heritage and its people.
“I wish to thank the RTC staff team, and our many collaborative partners particularly Ryde Business Association, Ryde Regeneration Forum, Ryde Society, Aspire, Ryde Arts, Isle of Wight Council and all the amazing Ryde community groups. Team Ryde is moving ahead!”.
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Ryde’s budget winners include:
• Ryde Marina and Harbour – Ryde Town Council’s commissioned report states that Ryde Harbour is not only a viable business opportunity, but investment in the Harbour will revitalise the Harbour and bring economic benefit to the area and town.
• Ryde Place Plan, Community Development and Inclusivity – Ryde Town Council and Isle of Wight’s Council’s commissioned Place Plan provides the basis for growth and regeneration in the town built on what is already successfully happening. It is a celebration of brand Ryde. It also starts to recognise and focus on the real hidden disadvantage of the Town and target future resources to tackle issues to improve all Ryde residents’ lives.
• Support for Community and Voluntary Sector – Nearly 20% of the Town Council’s annual budget goes to support Ryde’s many community groups including Ryde Arts, Waterside Community Trust, and Aspire. Ryde Town Council plans to build on this with continued support for the Community Connector role at Aspire with leverage to more funding for local projects to improve the health, well-being and opportunities for Ryde residents.
• Young People and Future Generations – Young people and their aspirations are at the heart of the budget with continued support for Network Ryde.
• Ryde’s Historic High Streets – 20/21 will see the start of the implementation of the Historic England sponsored improvement of the High Street.
• Ryde Cultural Heritage, Arts, Tourism and Events – Ryde has substantial heritage with street parades, art exhibitions and unique Georgian and Victorian buildings. 20/21 will see further celebrations and activities that benefit residents as well as increase tourism and Ryde’s economy.
Someone wanna teach how to do that with these monkeys in godshill 14% rise for what exactly!
A pleasant surprise after many years of huge increases in the precept by Ryde council. Must be down to the Mayor and his team running it more cost effectively.
Least it is not a back hander from the massive contractors about to ruin Ryde, not for a while, but forever with the ugly mass developments.
IF RYDE CAN DO IT SO CAN THE REST OF THE IOW WHY SHOULD WE OTHERS PAY MORE FOR THE SAME SERVICES ,JUST BECAUSE OF GREEDY COUNCILORS ,EXACTLEY WHY I NEVER VOTE ,AND NEVER WILL ONLEY ON COUNCIL TO LINE THEIR OWN POCKETS WANKERS
Surely that’s a reason to vote you numpty.