Diss Town Council announces tax increase

Diss Town Council has agreed a budget for its upcoming financial year, with a 4.79 per cent increase for to the town’s taxpayers.

The move will result in a Band D household contribution of £247.05, or an additional £11.29 per year.

On top of inflation that remains above the Government’s target of two per cent, the council says it has had to plan for the significant increase in National Insurance next year.

Sarah Villafuerte-Richards, the town clerk said: “This will also ensure that facilities enjoyed by residents of Diss and its surrounding villages are maintained and developed.

“This includes allocating funds to earmarked reserves for longer-term projects relating to key assets and amenities such as the Mere, boardwalk, new play equipment, streetlighting and town centre parking improvements.”

The town council element of the Council Tax bill which also includes charges from South Norfolk District Council, Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Police, accounts for approximately 10 per cent of the total.

Additionally, some of the funds are allocated towards supporting local organisations through grant funding and the town’s annual events such as the Carnival, Christmas Lights Switch-On, Remembrance.

The town council also partly funds occasional gatherings like the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day which will be taking place in Diss and around the country later this year.