I would like to highlight the exemplary financial management exhibited locally in Melksham, under Conservative leadership. Melksham has seen a commendable below-inflationary increase of 3.9%, marking another year of responsible fiscal planning. This follows a trend of below-inflation increases, with last year at 0% and the year before at 3%, resulting in only a 7% increase over the last 3 years, which is well below inflation. 
In stark contrast, neighbouring Trowbridge Council, under Liberal Democrat control, has raised their budget by a staggering 23% this year alone, burdening residents with a 61% tax increase over just 3 years, far exceeding inflation rates. It is worth noting that Trowbridge Council's budget towers over Melksham's by approximately threefold. Whilst the leader of the Conservatives in opposition's budget of 1.7% was rejected.
Melksham's prudent financial approach has not hindered investment in community welfare. Cllr Simon Crundell, Town Mayor, expressed how he was pleased that through efficient financial management, they are able to increase spending on vital initiatives such as tree planting, maintenance, ecology, and ongoing multi-year investments in play areas, and all of the significant contributions in the last year to the enhancement of King George V Playing Field. 
Efficient spending underscores our belief that robust community investment does not need to come at the expense of excessive costs. 
#Melksham #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityInvestment #Conservatives
