Tenby Town Council has increased its precept for the year 2005/06. Estimated expenditure for the forthcoming financial year will rise from £113,402 in 2004/05 to £129,491.96 - an increase of over £16,000. This comes after last year's precept was also increased from £105,343 in 2003/04, which was the first rise for three years. At Tuesday night's meeting of the council, members agreed to the amended budget, making the town's portion of the Band D council tax levy £52 for the year - an increase of £1.55 on the current figure. The council's financial officer and clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, explained that the rise was due to 'marginal increases across the board', which included the refurbishment of Augustus Place, reduced income from the handover of the running of the De Valence Pavilion, and an increase in administration expenditure to fall in line with national salaries and the national wages award. "The higher expenditure can be attributed to the reduced sources of income which offset the expenditure, and also to inflationary rises," added Mr. Davies. Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas commented after agreeing to the amended budget: "I think it's a bargain to be able to live in Tenby for less than £1 a week."
