Milford Haven’s mayor defends 4.2% precept rise

However, councillor Rhys Sinnett said the increase was ‘hard to justify’ after his proposal to take funds from reserves to lower the precept failed to gain enough support at a special meeting last week.

Among proposals to reduce the precept included reducing the cemetery budget by £1,000. However, councillors voted against the proposition and the annual allocation to fund a future cemetery extension remained at £3,000.

The annual Torch Theatre grant sparked another heated debate.

Cllr Mike George proposed to cut the £6,500 by £1000 stating the theatre had ‘generous bank accounts and ample reserves.’ Seconding Cllr George’s proposal Cllr John Roberts said: “On their own admission they can’t make ends meet with the activities they are running.”

Cllr David Friend said the theatre were ‘very aware of its budget constraints’ adding more involvement in community activities had been pledged at a recent presentation by the company which he hoped would be ‘forthcoming.’ Councillor Alun Bryne said: “I am dismayed we are having this conversation again.

“The Torch Theatre puts Milford Haven on the map.”

Councillors voted by a majority against the proposition to reduce the grant, which remains at £6500.

The only change to the budget came to the Milford Athletic football club’s £1,000 grant. Members voted in favour of taking the grant from reserves to reduce the rate increase.

Milford Haven mayor councillor Tony Eden said: “The increase is minimal and I think we have done our best for the people of the town.”

The precept was finalised at a 4.2% increase, with residents of Band D properties now facing an increase of £1.13 to £35.11.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Sinnett said: “I felt there were some budget lines we could have reduced.

“We are sat on a significant amount of reserves, the people’s money, which we could have used to bring the rate down.”

“I think it is quite hard to justify this above-inflation rate increase.”