Council tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge look set to rise this year under inflation-busting proposals being considered by the Town Council.
Councillors are set to vote next week on plans to hike up the council’s total budget from £615,343 last year to £718,211 for the coming year.
The Town Council’s Finance and Resources Committee considered the draft budget at its latest meeting where it was approved, subject to a vote by the full Town Council at a meeting on Monday February 3rd.
“It was resolved to make a recommendation to full Council that it makes final approval of the budget at a total of £718,211, which is an increase of 29 pence per week (or around £15 extra per year) on the Band D properties,” says the council.
Councillors have previously pointed to the removal of a £22,171 precept support grant from Sedgemoor District Council – due to government cutbacks – putting extra financial strain on the Town Council.
How Town Council’s budget was spent in 2019
| Expenditure | Income | Required | |
| Admin | 184,438 | 1,225 | 183,258 |
| Democratic & Civil | 15,800 | 15,800 | |
| Burial board | 158,560 | 14,405 | 144,160 |
| Joint funding with others | 92,350 | 92,350 | |
| Grants | 45,100 | 45,100 | |
| Princess Theatre | 145,115 | 67,650 | 77,465 |
| Old Courthouse | 17,850 | 3,200 | 14,650 |
| Other properties | 1,630 | 1,630 | |
| Allotments | 1,850 | 1,400 | 450 |
| Town improvements | 37,050 | 2,000 | 35,050 |
| Handyman | 5,930 | 5,930 | |
| Community Infrastructure Levy Burnham | 250 | -250 | |
| Community Infrastructure Levy Highbridge | 250 | -250 | |
| TOTALS | 705,718 | 90,380 | 615,343 |
