After last year's big budget rise to cover the takeover of the Princess Pavilion, 2022's precept for Falmouth has been set at just under three per cent.

At a full meeting of Falmouth Town Council last night, members voted to accept a 2.94% increase on its 2021 precept, well below the 21% rise on 2020 it imposed last year. That equates to an extra £10.91 per year for a Band D Council Tax payer

Before the 2022 precept was accepted Cllr Dean Evans tabled an amendment asking the council to ask the finance officer and the budget heads go back and trim the 2.94% off the budget and resubmit it. He claimed there was no debate and just accepting the budget "stifled debate". The motion was defeated.

Putting forward the motion to accept the precept Falmouth mayor Cllr Steve Eva, said he would "take no criticism" of his request that it was kept below 3%.

"I take no criticism for doing that," he said. "I believe it was the right thing to do. The fact that the finance officer produced a budget under three per cent was fantastic.

"We have been through Covid, we spent quite a lot of money out of reserves to cover the Covid period. We were told that we had to increase our reserves, we had to divide up the services and take on a couple more staff. Which has all come in at under three per cent. I think that's great. I honestly can't see problem and honestly think it will get the support of the people."

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Cllr Jude Robinson said she objected to the idea that service heads had not contributed to the budget. "We know budget is coming up," she said. "It's been available for a week before F&GP and a week before this council.

"There was a huge process of developing the budget and suddenly at the last minute people want to change it and put amendments forward without any discussion on what impact it would have to reduce the budget further."

Councillors voted to accept the precept with Clr Evans and Cllr David Saunby voting against. Cllr Allen Jewell abstained.

Explaining his decision to vote against the precept, Cllr Saunby told the Packet: "With the 21% precept increase last year making us the highest precept in Cornwall which hit the public hard, I could not support the 2.94% rise for next year's budget.

"I felt there was no need to have a rise at all, due the the extra income town council would receive from Union Park and Eve Parc estates, and surrounding areas, due to the recent boundary changes, which amounts to approximately 320 properties, and another 100 in the pipeline.

"I understand that not all properties pay council tax, but I believe a substantial amount do. It maybe a small increase to some, but not to others who are financially struggling."