A BUDGET featuring a 39 per cent precept increase was agreed by Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council, but not without controversy.

Councillors voted for the budget at a parish council meeting, with a statement released by the council afterwards explaining the decision was taken reluctantly in the face of cuts to services.

The statement notes the 2019/20 budget only equates to a monthly increase of 57 pence for homes in the Band A category, 67 pence for homes in Band B, 76 pence for Band C homes and 86 pence for Band D homes.

But during the meeting, Cllr Gary Swallow challenged proposals to ring fence cash for projects in Cross Roads.

“The problem with this is that only the two Cross Roads councillors have a say in what’s put forward,” he said.

“It’s undemocratic for just two councillors to formulate this large budget and particularly for the forthcoming year when the amount proposed for 2019/20 is £17,000.”

Cllr Swallow criticised a “wish list” of spending recommendations for Cross Roads, including £2,500 for Lees cum Cross Roads Gala, £5,000 to replace stone balls at the entrance to Cross Roads Park, £2,080 for extra man hours for the park and plant containers, and £3,500 for park benches.

“While I’m in agreement Cross Roads should have its fair share, going down this current route is not the answer,” he argued, branding items on the list “vanity projects” and describing the £5,000 proposed stone balls replacement as “a complete waste of public money”.

Cross Roads councillor Tito Arana, responded: “Cross Roads pays 42 per cent of the precept into this parish council and deserves to be supported.

“For 2019/20 nearly £40,000 will be spent on Haworth and the Cross Roads councillors support that.

“I’m sorry that you [Cllr Swallow] don’t see a value in some of our Cross Roads projects. The vast majority of people in Cross Roads are made up with other improvements to the park, the gala and Christmas lights.

“I think the budget has been well thought out and shows a proportionate spend across the parish’s three villages. It’s only proper Cross Roads gets an equitable share of money, because we pay in an equitable share.”

Cllr Swallow proposed an amended budget which would not include the £17,000 Cross Roads fund and would see £22,000 transferred to the Environment Committee which would supervise how it should be spent.

However, his amendment was defeated in a vote and the draft budget approved.

The council’s post-meeting statement said: “Bradford Council has cut a number of key local council run services in Haworth, Cross Roads & Stanbury. These include three public conveniences and Haworth Visitor Information Centre.

“Bradford Council also plans to cut funding for Haworth Christmas tree, as well as reduce spending within the parks.

“The parish council is committed to providing high quality services to residents and visitors, while trying to reduce the impact of district council cuts. The parish council has provided much over the last few years, firstly with its successful Participatory Budget, then last year, and following on this year with the Village Funds.

“While the parish council understands economic times are hard, it feels this budget increase is modest and necessary to ensure continuation of essential local services.”