People unwilling to fund new council, survey finds

High Wycombe is one of only a few areas in Buckinghamshire without a town or parish council

People living in High Wycombe would like a town council but do not want to pay for it, the results of a consultation suggest.

Out of more than 2,500 responses, a majority said they were in favour of the idea but less than half were willing to fund it with a rise in council tax.

A report by Buckinghamshire Council recommends the area should remain one of just a few places in the county without a town or parish council.

It will now be discussed by councillors next week before a final decision is made at a meeting on 18 September.

Emma Reynolds, the newly elected Labour MP for Wycombe supports the idea of forming a town council but the option recommended for approval is for improvements to be made to the "current community governance arrangements".

Town or parish councils in other areas are responsible for services such as allotments, bus shelters and play areas.

They also have the power to issue fixed penalty fines for litter, graffiti and dog offences.

Conservative county councillor David Goss said: "We are not at the point of a formal decision on this yet.

"The consultation was widely publicised, so it’s something of a shame that we have seen such a very low response despite considerable efforts to encourage local people to take part."