towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Diss Town Council is pleased to announce that it has been able to agree a budget for 2023/24 that reflects a 0% increase compared to the current year.

The Town Council element of the Council Tax bill which also includes charges from South Norfolk Council, Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Police, only accounts for approximately 10% of the total bill. Strategic planning has enabled us to cap our share to £208.59 (the same annual amount as last year) for a Band D householder.

Given the current economic challenges, it was determined that increased costs should not impact on the burden already facing our residents. Income streams, government grants, financial reserves and asset management will be carefully utilised to maintain and run the facilities and amenities enjoyed by many in the town.

Core funding for the Youth and Community Centre, the market, the park and Mere, the cemetery, sports ground, and The Corn Hall will be maintained to provide crucial services, promoting new initiatives by offering grants and preserving the towns assets. Priority projects for the forthcoming year include tree and building conservation, carbon reductions and town cleanliness.

The traditional annual events calendar namely our Hollywood-inspired Carnival for 2023 and the Christmas Lights switch on, will be supplemented this year by a special celebration to mark King Charles III’s Coronation on 7th May. These successful events are designed to pay for themselves with support from local businesses, volunteers, stallholders and community groups.

We have also taken advantage of previous prudent financial management utilising reserves where needed and of an increased tax base, which means that more residents are paying their share of Council Tax.

Did  you know?  Diss serves around 40,000 people from the wider catchment area, but the money   to deliver the Town Council services through the Council Tax is provided by   fewer than 3,000 households in Diss.