A HANDOVER of services to town and parish councils could change the way council tax bills are added up in the future.
South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet has agreed a policy that opens the way for the smaller councils to take over management and in some cases ownership of asserts such as parks, open spaces, play areas and public toilets.
It would mean town and parish councils charge for the services their council tax precept rather than the provision being funded by South Gloucestershire.
The move is part of a drive to end the charge on council tax bills for ‘special expenses’, services provided on a parish level by South Gloucestershire.
The authority says transferring funding for these ‘discretionary’ services would improve fairness, promote choice and give local people more control.
However, following many concerns raised by town and parish councils, the transition will now take place over three years.
South Gloucestershire says that during this time, town and parish councils, in consultation with local people, will decide what level of services they want, when they are ready to take on management of those services, and how they want to run them.
The hope is that the move will help protect services, which South Gloucestershire is not legally obliged to provide, at a time of increasing financial pressures.
The unitary authority has a limit on the amount by which it is allowed to increase council tax, while town and parish councils do not, which means they would be able to pass on above-inflation cost increases more easily.
A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “As each town and parish council is unique, with a wide range of existing services, responsibilities and capacities, over the coming months and years we will work with each of them individually to help aid the transition.”
Cabinet councillor Adam Monk said: “The cost to taxpayers of any changes will be minimal, as while local council precepts will likely rise, the special expenses charges will fall.”
Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council has said it is waiting for more information about what services it would be expected to take on before taking a view, as details of how the handover wold work have been lacking so far.
Siston Parish Council sought further information from South Gloucestershire Council under a Freedom of Information request to find out what the plans could mean for its residents.
It said in a statement: “No decision has been made on what we can manage locally yet.”
Pucklechurch Parish Council chair Gail Boyle said: “Pucklechurch Parish Council opposed this policy on the grounds that it is an inequitable, cost-shifting exercise that lacks financial transparency, places an unfair administrative burden on small local councils, and forces an uncapped tax burden onto Pucklechurch residents.
“Whilst I welcome the changes introduced to allow for a better-informed, phased approach, it must be acknowledged that not all town and parish councils start from the same position.
“For a smaller council like Pucklechurch, with limited staffing and a low tax base, taking on these services is no simple transfer.”