During the Buckingham Town Council meeting on October 30, 2023, a resolution was passed to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The request aims to secure a Public Works Loan Board loan totaling £1,250,000, spanning a 50-year borrowing term. This financial support is designated for the establishment of a new cemetery and allotments.
Anticipating an annual repayment of approximately £72,000, the council plans to implement a 0.22% increase in the council tax precept to cover the loan repayments. This adjustment translates to an additional £2,600 per year.
The necessary public consultation for the “increase-precept” has concluded, revealing that 87% of respondents favor the revised proposals, with 76% supporting the required precept increase.
Cllr Anja Schaefer, Mayor of Buckingham, said: “I am pleased that we are now in a position to apply for a public works loan so that we can start developing our much-needed new cemetery and residents can be secure in the knowledge that they will continue to be able to lay their loved ones to rest in Buckingham.”
