Residents across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to face an increase in their council tax bills of around 3% this year following a vote by town councillors last night (Monday, January 14th).
Councillors heard that the removal of a £22,171 precept support grant from Sedgemoor District Council – due to central government cutbacks – is putting extra financial strain on the Town Council.
However, councillors on the Policy and Finance Committee agreed to keep the Town Council’s budget as low as possible for the coming financial year.
They proposed a precept request of £615,343, meaning the Town Council element of the council tax on a Band D property will be £96.40 per year, an increase of six pence per week.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Cllr Mike Facey, Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, explained: “We are keen to keep any council tax increase for our residents as low as possible without affecting local services.”
“It has been a particularly challenging year given that our central government grant funding of £22,171 has been removed for us and other Town Councils.”
“However, through good management and financial planning we will be retaining all the services as before and not cutting back staff numbers.”
Mike added: “Thanks go to our financial officer and the team for all their work on this year’s budget.”
A final decision on the proposals will be taken on February 4th when the full Town Council meets to will vote on the plans.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council proposed budget for 2019-2020: How your council tax is spent
| 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 |
