Council boosts income – while spending less

FRODSHAM Town Council spent £23,270 less than budgeted for last year – and achieved almost £51,102 more income than expected.
This after holding the precept for 2017-18 at the same level as the previous year.
As a result, there was no requirement to use any reserves to support the work of the council.
This was revealed in the council’s annual report, presented by former chairman Cllr Judith Critchley.
The council’s focus remains on improving efficiency and managing its budget closely.
The main efficiencies were:
*Moving from the ground floor of Castle Park House to a small first floor office to reduce rental and reception staff costs.
*Holding council and committee meetings every two months, instead of monthly, reducing the administrative burden.
•Continuing to focus on financial performance, with the Town Clerk refining the presentation of financial data, allowing committees to review their budget before proposing any expenditure.
In addition, former Mayor Cllr Alan Oulton and his Mayoress, Lorraine, decided not to hold a Mayoral Ball at a time of austerity and to, wherever possible, concentrate their activities within Frodsham rather than further afield.
However, they did raise funds to allow the training of residents in the use of automated external defibrillators.