KEIGHLEY Town Council has agreed a budget which it says "balances ambition with affordability".
Council chiefs say the package focuses on delivering objectives identified in Keighley Vision, a strategic plan for 2023-27.
But the precept will rise, by seven per cent, to help pay for the measures.
The 2026-27 budget includes funding for the return of Keighley Gala, which for many years was an annual feature in the town.
And money is allocated for the town council's popular events programme.
Funds are included for the continuation of the hugely-successful free Play in Parks events, held during school holidays in conjunction with Bradford Council. Thirteen sessions will be delivered across the summer holidays.
Work to maintain Keighley town centre's award-winning and widely acclaimed floral displays is being financed again.
Support will also continue for Keighley Walking Festival, which is entering its third year, and the event will be expanded.
More than 600 people took part in last year's fortnight-long festival, which featured over 50 guided walks. It also included the training of 30 new walk leaders.
"The walking festival is seen as a great way to attract more visitors to Keighley and the surrounding area," says a town council spokesperson.
Funding is earmarked too to run the town council's grants programme and community project scheme.
The spokesperson adds: "Whilst the agreed budget aims to deliver the objectives identified in Keighley Vision, at the same time the town council recognises the financial pressures that many people are feeling in the current economic climate.
"Over 83 per cent of properties will see their proportion of the council tax set by Keighley Town Council increase by less than £5.38 a year, to £59.19 for a Band A property. The average Band D property will see an increase from £82.73 to £88.79 per year."
Councillor Mohammed Nazam, chair of the town council's finance and policy committee, says: "Our priority is to deliver a budget that balances ambition with affordability. We have kept costs to households low while funding initiatives that will have a lasting, positive impact on the community."
Town mayor, Councillor Chris Herd, says: "This budget demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making Keighley a thriving and inclusive town. By investing in community projects, events and local infrastructure, we are ensuring that residents benefit from a vibrant and well-supported environment."
Full details of the budget can be found on the town council website, at keighley.gov.uk
Share