OTLEY Town Council is freezing its precept as it builds for the future.

Councillors unanimously passed the budget this week and agreed the precept freeze, recognising the financial pressures on residents.

Money for projects which will support the environment, be consistent with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and support healthy lifestyles are major parts of the budget.

Councillors stressed that, during a pandemic, and despite ambitious plans for improvement in Otley, it was right to set a 0 per cent precept rise. To support this they sought efficiencies in administration and will continue to do so.

Environmental projects alone take up 20 per cent of the 2021-22 budget. Improvements are proposed to the Gallows Hill Nature Reserve which has been much used by walkers during the pandemic, and some small initial works are planned for the Wharfedale Greenway. A major public consultation on Street Vision 2030, the council’s plans for reimagining the streetscape of the town and encouraging active travel, will take place. Covid-permitting, a family cycling event is expected.

The council says it will continue to support additional street cleaning and make improvements around the town. It says significant sums are being devoted to refurbishment of the Otley Older People’s Welfare.

Another area that has received important support is the visitor economy. Working with the Chamber of Trade, the Otley BID and the Otley Town Partnership, events will be supported, and town marketing enhanced. The Visit Otley and Buy in Otley websites will be maintained.

Councillor Richard Hughes, the Town Council Chair, said: "This is a forward-looking budget. We are seeing some key environmental projects reaching important stages and we are pleased to fund those. Nevertheless, we understood how important it was, this year, to hold the precept at last year’s levels and we are delighted to have been able to do that."