Reducing the impact of deprivation will be a key objective for Bodmin Town Council in the coming year.

As the country struggles with the cost of living crisis, the council says it will continue to work with others in the community to achieve its goals.

The council says its strategic plan provides a way to progress its work without overburdening the public purse.

Mayor Philip Cooper said: “The council has adopted a community development approach, a model which involves greater engagement with the local community to develop local objectves currently designed around recent data collected during the Charrette and other consultation processes.

“The council has growing plans for meeting local needs. It believes in collaborative ways of working, adopting principles that affect priorities and influence what it does, being open to ideas and challenge from the community it serves.

“The council’s financial plan over the next four years will assist in proactively managing its priorities, risks and challenges.

“Overall, the strategic plan will help to ensure a link between the council’s strategic aims and targets and the priorities of the local community.

“It will guide the council’s financial planning over the next four years and has provided the principles and framework for the setting of the 2023-24 revenue and capital budget.

“The council agreed on a 3.73 per cent increase in its precept for the 2023-24 financial year which equates to 22.67 pence per week extra for a Band D property.

“This increase will contribute towards finalising the Neighbourhood Plan and matchfunding opportunities for grant applications, helping local groups support local services and deliver projects that promote and enable greater community action.

“The council has healthy balances which will be depleted by renovation works to the public realm. However, long-term, this will provide opportunities for increased income through better, more efficient use of public assets.

“There will be a phased refurbishment of the Shire House and Shire Hall to enhance public facilities and encourage public use. Improved accommodation and storage facilities for our parks team is also in our plans.”

The council plans to maintain existing services and ensure its revenue budget remains balanced.

It also aims to safeguard its finances to keep future council tax as low as possible.

The council has agreed to deliver over the coming months a new toilet facility in Fair Park, a new play park, new play equipment in various open spaces in the town, and new lighting and additional CCTV around the skate park.

There will also be a number of community events.

Cllr Cooper said: “I would like to like to take this opportunity to thank our town clerk Pete Martin, our dedicated staff and my fellow councillors for all their hard work and energy that has been put into producing and adopting the fouryear plan and budget.”