30% Increase in JPC Tax

The Joint Parish Council's Precept will increase by £20,000 (34%) for 2009/10. This is the largest increase in the area, even larger than Stratford-upon-Avon, which has a budget five times Henley's. Stratford's increase is £12,299 (3%). The average increase for all towns and parishes in the Stratford District Council area is £189 (0.83%).

This massive increase is required to pay for a 66% increase in the clerk's (Jenny Walsh - pictured right) hours. There is also a colossal 228% increase in JPC's PR budget, which is called 'Communications with the Community'.

No public statement has been made about this increase, which was approved by the full council on 15th December 2008. The first residents will now about it will be when council tax bills are received in April.

Wellesbourne Parish Council has announced a 22% reduction in its precept for 2009/2010.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to recommend an increase of 4.9% in Stratford District Council’s portion of the Council Tax for 2009/2010.

Warwickshire County Council has published a 3.89% council tax increase for 2009/10.

From Henley NEWS On-Line - 5th February 2009