Additionally, the Town Council has tax raising powers and collects annually with the Council Tax receipts, a ‘local tax’ known as the ‘local precept, to pay for enhancements to town facilities. A few highlights from an extensive list include: community grants, public benches, public toilets, play park equipment, contributions to road maintenance schemes, civic planting schemes, Christmas lighting and community events. In 2018/19 the town precept was £629,552.00.
The town council is currently preparing to negotiate with Wiltshire Council regarding the transfer of street scene and place-based services such as the amenity grass-cutting, litter bin collection, community allotments and town assets. It is not anticipated that these negotiations will lead to a transfer until the end of 2019 or the spring of 2020. When that happens, it is likely that the cost of operating these services will account for at least 45% of the council budget.