Madam,

In the recent past the Cambrian News drew public attention to the proposed 18.7 per cent rise in the precept by Machynlleth Town Council.

Jim Griffiths, recently appointed town clerk, denies this figure was ever given to your excellent publication and states: “I cannot answer for the Cambrian News and I have no idea where or how they got a figure of 18.7 per cent. This is not a figure that has been given by Machynlleth Town Council. As you suggest the precept increase is actually 21.8 per cent.” Yes - an astounding 21.8 per cent!

Mr Griffiths seeks to make light of the increase with a flippant remark about it only being the price of a Mars bar per week. My recent electricity bill was the equivalent of 700 Mars bars but it doesn’t make it acceptable!

If trust is ever to return, there is a need for financial explanations and transparency on this issue. Is the 21.8 per cent increase due to previous mismanagement, past incompetence or a town council simply growing and going beyond its remit by becoming involved with unnecessary stuff? Could residents have some firm and detailed answers please Mr Mayor?

Yours etc,

Terry Turner, Ffordd Mynydd Griffiths, Machynlleth.

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