Kettering Town Council has stepped in to fund the continuation of the town’s popular roadside floral displays after North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) proposed discontinuing its £26,700 annual funding.
The floral displays, including planters at the hospital hill roundabout and beds in Northampton Road, faced disinvestment by NNC from April 1. Kettering Town Council will now cover the cost to ensure the service continues.
Councillor Clark Mitchell expressed relief about the service’s continuity but raised concerns about taxpayers effectively paying twice, as the move will likely lead to an increase in Kettering Town Council’s precept while NNC’s council tax bill remains unchanged. This decision follows a trend where unitary authorities disinvest in non-statutory services, passing the responsibility to local councils willing to fund them. Examples include Kettering by the Sea and the Christmas lights switch-on, both now funded by Kettering Town Council.
