AMMANFORD Town Council has voted to maintain its tax precept at the current level following a meeting of the full council.

Councillors voted to maintain the level at £132 per Band D household for another year, generating just under £260,000 in revenue.

Councillors met on Thursday, February 25 to discuss the coming year’s budget with the majority agreeing to freeze the precept for residents.

Citing the council’s healthy financial position, the chair of finance, councillor Stephen Davies said it has given them a platform to look forward to the future and provide them with the opportunity to invest in their assets and support the needs of people and businesses in the town.

Savings will be made in the coming year’s budget by cutting back on events funding – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllrs Davies said: “We hope to be able to hold an event in late summer for the people of Ammanford; one that could combine both the Big Day Out and Twrch Trwyth events, but that will depend on the situation surrounding Covid.”

Further savings have been made through running a more “efficient maintenance service” in the town’s parks.

Meanwhile all council members agreed that they would not submit any financial claims in a bid to support the zero per cent rise in the precept.

Looking ahead, the council said it would aim to support people and businesses in the community, including making a further £1,000 donation to the town’s foodbank.

The Council’s budget for 2021-22 also makes provision for several community projects including a hanging basket scheme.

The floral features, the council said, will aid community wellbeing during difficult times.

Cllr Davies added: “The hanging baskets will help promote the town, encourage people into the area and provide a better aesthetic for locals.”

The  budget was subsequently put to a vote, and passed with all but one in favour, with Cllr Emyr John abstaining due to "the councils accounts for the previous year not being signed off as yet".

The precept was voted on with all but one in favour, with Cllr Emyr John voting against as he had proposed a decrease.