Local councillors will raise the local council tax precept by £1.40 a month in a move some justified as necessary to keep local services running.

At a meeting of Abergavenny Town Council last week, councillors announced the rise before outlining the need to fund services ‘local people rely on’ as the new Labour-led group made an early mark on its tenure.

The rise of £1.40 per month which amounts to an inflation-busting 2.4 per cent, will go toward local services, including keeping Abergavenny’s public toilets open at a cost more than £50,000 a year.

Councillor Tony Konieczny, said, “It is important that the local community understands that we had a stark choice to make, yet we have decided to dig a little deeper to keep the services which the people of Abergavenny need and rely upon.??“We realise that many people are struggling out there in this age of austerity. I believe this small rise is an inflation-busting 2.4 per cent.”

As the move received unanimous backing from councillors, some Labour members said the measure marked a break from the previous Conservative council. ??Councillor Martyn Groucutt, said, “I would like to very firmly state that this budget will give the Labour party a firm foundation from which to implement some of the platform issues we stood and won on back in May. ??“This budget will provide a new focus of support for those in Abergavenny who are in need. I hope it will generate a more positive view of this council.”

Councillor Tudor Thomas, who was a member of the last Conservative-dominated group, said, “This is a new beginning in that Abergavenny Town Council is going to focus its help on local people across the board, and I feel the small increase is justified in terms of the potential outcomes. ??“I feel much happier that, as a more pro-active council rather than a reactive one, we will be able to help all the people of Abergavenny, from all walks of life.”