No increase in town’s council tax charge

It comes as welcome news with the town suffering a prolonged New Year hangover by having to cope with ongoing roadworks and a rail line closure.

The budget was set by Rye Town Clerk Richard Farhall who responded to a challenge from councillors to avoid an increase this year.

Mr Farhall said: “The way it works they may even see a slight decrease in Rye Council’s part of the precept.

The estimated charge for the average Band D home-owner will be £43.16 (83p a week) compared to £44.07 for the period 2010-2011.

But the council’s precept forms just one part of the total of the overall council tax with Rother District Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council and the Fire Service yet to set their precepts.

The Town Council has seen profits coming in from the Heritage Centre it runs at Strand Quay and funds come into the town through the council renting out the town hall for weddings and other ceremonies, which has grown in recent years.

Meanwhile a Rye Town Council working group continues to explore ways in which control of services can be handed back to Rye from Rother District Council.