Dorchester Town Council is shortly to set the precept it charges to residents for next year.

Council Tax should not be increased at this time.

In the middle of the worst financial crisis in a generation Dorchester Town Council still has money to spend.

We have recently seen spending plans approved for new offices for the Town Clerk and a new extension to the Corn Exchange to house a controversial new biomass boiler when alternatives are available at a fraction of the cost.

Claiming new multi-million pounds projects will not lead to tax increases is deeply cynical and confirms present Town Council tax levels are too high.

Compare this position with other councils who are considering selling their assets and borrowing more.

Dorchester is in good financial shape as a result of years of high taxation and no dependency on central government funding (one reason other councils have increased their council tax).

Which cannot be said for many residents impacted by furlough, reduced hours and redundancy which affects people all over town.

Local businesses and retail are in crisis as the third lockdown begins to take its toll.

Councillors should do what they can to help, by reviewing all non-essential spending plans and by not increasing the precept this year.

With their strong financial position, a small reduction is more appropriate.

Dorchester Town Council can afford to ‘do its bit’.

Freeze the precept or, even better, reduce it.

PETER STEIN

Poundbury