Precept freeze

Saddleworth’s parish council tax precept will be frozen at the present rate for the next financial year, councillors have agreed.

Parish council chairman Brian Lord said: “We want to do more and this will cost money. But we recognise the difficult economic conditions. We felt this year we ought to try to manage on the same money as last year.”

Councillor Mike Buckley said: “Oldham Council has proposed a council tax increase of 3.5 per cent. This is all the more reason we should try to minimise the burden on the taxpayer.” The parish precept for a Band D property will remain at £19 a year per household.

Councillors also expressed concern at the possibility of unexpected costs. Last year two by-elections cost the parish council an extra £10,000.