Our Mayor Cllr Simon Gibson

We have much to look forward to this year including the Coronation in May.  The Council is working hard to arrange a Royal Picnic in the Park on Sunday 7th May 12 noon to 5pm with music from local bands, food, drinks and a wonderful variety of stalls, we hope you will all come along and make it as much of a success as the Jubilee last year.
Despite being an optimist, I appreciate the challenges that many people are facing due to inflation and the subsequent rise in the cost of living. The Council continues to offer a warm space for anyone who would like to call in for a hot drink.
Councillors have been focusing on the cost of living when setting the budget for next year.  We are highly conscious that any rise in Council Tax is undesirable whilst we need to find a fair balance to allow the Council to continue providing good quality services such as the Youth and Community Centre.  As such, the Council is setting the rise in precept to significantly below inflation, which is the right thing to do.
I remain hopeful for a positive 2023 and wish you all a good year too.

Cllr Simon Gibson
Verwood Town Mayor