I WAS stunned by the town council’s decision to almost double their portion of Andover’s council tax.

As the former town councillor responsible for finance, I worked hard to hold down council tax, freezing it for three out of four years.

After steering the town council through its early years we Conservatives felt it was time to hand over the reins to community minded individuals. After all, the town council is the equivalent to a parish council. However, it appears to have been taken over by Lib Dems. A number declared themselves as Independents, but at the same time stood for the Lib Dems in the Test Valley election.

In their first budget they voted to increase the council tax by almost 100 per cent.

As well as allocating money for its core functions the former town council was prudent in putting money aside to pay for the local elections but as the election was uncontested, these funds weren’t needed. Taking those savings into account, the town council must justify why they need such a large precept.

On top of this, town councillors have voted to significantly increase their staffing budget and are looking to more than double the rent they pay on their offices.

They have also set £56,000 aside as a ‘new building fund’, without any further explanation.

The town council is not without its critics. If it is going to play an important and increasing role in making Andover better then it must be more transparent. As an elected borough councillor, I want to work with the town council on positive projects for the good of the town but if they are going to almost double tax, then surely we deserve an explanation.

Cllr Phil North, Alamein Ward and cabinet member for the corporate portfolio, Test Valley Borough Council.