OTLEY Town Council has set its budget and precept for the next financial year.

It will see the precept for Otley residents rise by £4.58 a year - an increase of five per cent. The decision was made at a full council meeting on Monday, January 22.

Prior to the meeting discussions within and between parties and committee chairs took place and the meeting considered two budgets - a five per cent and a seven per cent rise. The majority Liberal Democrats and the Green Councillors all voted for a five per cent rise.

Cllr Richard Hughes, the chair of the council, said that improvements to Otley’s environment were at the heart of the budget for the forthcoming year.

He said: “All in all, we are proud that for less than the price of two cups of coffee on their annual bill, Otley households can feel confident that all the money raised by the town council is spent not only in and for Otley, but efficiently and well.”

He added that nature recovery and helping residents enjoy open spaces will be a key focus of the year, as will action to make Otley a model for small towns looking to tackle the climate emergency. Significant commitments to support business, community organisations and residents remain.

Labour councillors voted against the five per cent increase, while acknowledging that the precept had not risen over the previous three years.

At the meeting Cllr Richard Davies said: “Although I welcome the reduction in the proposed rise, I have carefully considered whether this reduction is sufficient, given the current economic climate and its impact on residents.

“My sense is that there is scope to trim the spending allocations further and release specific unused reserves. In light of this, I will unfortunately I have to vote against the proposed precept rise on this occasion.”

Cllr Nigel Gill echoed these sentiments and noted the need to be mindful of the many residents who remain on fixed incomes.

Cllr Hughes said that an increase in the precept this year had been agreed “reluctantly” and said: “We had to make this modest increase to keep delivering the projects that will make Otley an even better place to live.”

Cllr Paul Carter, who chairs the Trade and Tourism Committee, said: "We are excited at starting a project to celebrate the 800th double anniversary of Otley Market and Otley Bridge, both major historic features of the town, and we are asking residents how they think we should celebrate these milestones."

And Cllr Penny Robinson Chair of the Community Development Committee, added: "Supporting local community groups continues to be a priority. We are proud that our grant scheme supports numerous voluntary groups and, by extension, all Otley residents. We will be advertising this scheme again this year and encourage more groups to apply.”

Cllr Hughes added: "Otley Town Council is probably the most active in Yorkshire, and, along with maintaining the town’s assets, including allotments, town centre toilets and the Jubilee Clock, we intend, following our declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergencies, to invest in improving local green spaces and protecting local wildlife. A new pond and dipping platform at the Council-owned Gallows Hill Nature Reserve will be great for nature and great for families.”