Those living in Bradpole will see a slight reduction in their council tax as Bradpole Parish Council's precept remains static for a third consecutive year.

Councillors have agreed little change in the precept, keeping a budget of £41,278 for 2022/23, compared to £41,370 for the current year.

For a band D property, this will be £43.52 per year, a minor reduction on the current £43.63. This is before Dorset Council and other agencies - such as the fire and police services - have added their costs to the overall council tax bill.

A spokesman for Bradpole Parish Council said: "In agreeing the financial budget for 2022/23, parish councillors carefully considered the affordability for residents of the parish precept taking into account the following:

• The need to maintain parish council services
• The requirement to complete Covid delayed maintenance work
• The wish to provide and enhance recreation areas in line with both the parish and neighbourhood plans
• The current pressures of the national financial position on household finances
• The likelihood of additional pressures on household budgets in the coming year
• The likelihood of an increase in Dorset Council tax rate for 2022/23

"To achieve this budget, parish councillors have again decided not to take the financial allowances that are available to them." Within these arrangements, parish councillors have agreed to enhance the village green spaces, particularly the Pagents Close Play Area and the Gore Cross Recreation Area. The spokesman added: "Funding is available from cash reserves that have been managed over recent years for these particular projects, enabling them to be progressed without an additional burden on residents. "The parish council will also be seeking any grant funding that may be available for community benefits. "Although it has been possible to maintain the parish precept at current levels for the third consecutive year, councillors are aware that, with inflation currently around five per cent, this may be difficult to achieve in future years. "Councillors are appreciative of the work of the responsible finance officer - parish clerk - in preparing this budget." For more information, visit Bradpole.org.uk Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below! You can submit your own news straight to Bridport Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button. Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @BridportNubNews on Facebook and Twitter.