Ilkley councillor explains resignation over Diamond jubilee decision (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Ilkley councillor explains resignation over Diamond jubilee decision

2:40pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Ilkley By Kathryn Bradley

A councillor has spoken out after resigning over an authority’s decision to put up Council Tax by 20 per cent to fund its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Richard Reed stood down from Ilkley Parish Council in protest at the authority’s decision to increase its Council Tax precept to fund events to mark the Queen’s 60th year on the throne.

The former parish councillor called the move “unnecessary” claiming the money could be found by reducing expenditure or using parish council reserves.

Mr Reed, who resigned ahead of the budget meeting last Monday, said: “I am not against Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Ilkley but I think the money for it should have been found from elsewhere in the budget.”

In a statement after the meeting, the parish council said the need to maintain reserves for unexpected future expenditure had been discussed.