After a property buying spree earlier this year, a bid to stop Ryde Town Council snapping up even more has been dropped.
At a council meeting last night (Monday) a motion, put forward by Cllr Les Kirkby, called for the town council to stop buying properties until existing projects are finished.
The town council added to its property portfolio at the start of the year, buying St Thomas’s Church and Vectis Hall, also agreeing to buy Ryde Town Hall once surveys and checks have taken place.
Kirkby: RTC not living within its means
Cllr Kirkby argued the town council was not living within its means and warned if the council carries on borrowing money the way it has been, ‘it could go bust’.
He said he is worried taxpayers could suffer and may face an even greater rise in council tax precepts.
Precept rise
Last year, Ryde residents were hit with an 8.9 per cent increase, adding £12.20 to a Band D homeowner’s bill, making an annual payment of £149.56.
The increase added £240,000 to the town council’s reserves.
Lilley: RTC would work hard to keep the precept down
Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley, said the authority has, as part of its corporate plan, looked at income generation.
With astute borrowing at low interest, Cllr Lilley said budget talks are starting and the town council would work hard to keep the precept down, with potentially no rise at all.
No debate
Cllr Kirkby’s request did not even get considered by the 14 councillors at the meeting. No-one seconded the motion, which meant it could not be debated.
Last year Cllr Kirkby said he would resign after RTC agreed to take on Ryde Town Hall (and Theatre). He later changed his mind and decided not to resign.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Historic England
