23 Jan

Bridgwater Town Council Sets Budget and Precept for 2026/27

Bridgwater Town Council sets it’s budget for the next civic year

Bridgwater Town Council has approved its budget for 2026/27, confirming a 5% Town Council precept as part of its annual financial planning. For a Band D household, the change to the Town Council portion of council tax equates to around 40p per week, with most Bridgwater households, 93% of which fall into Bands A–C, paying less. A Band B property, for example, will see an increase of approximately 31p per week. Town Council Leader Cllr Brian Smedley (Westover) said “This budget enables us to retain our services, sustain our assets and maintain a responsible level of reserves.” The budget proposed by the Labour Town Council was described as ‘positive and stable‘ and supported unanimously by all Labour and Conservative councillors.

Community Services

This year’s budget maintains core community services while meeting the legal requirement to hold appropriate reserves, ensuring the Council can manage future pressures and continue investing in keeping the town clean, maintained and welcoming.

The budget was developed through detailed committee reviews and cross‑party discussion, followed by scrutiny at the Finance and Corporate Committee. Local businesses and community groups also contributed through the annual Budget Forum.

Positive and Stable

Town Council Leader Brian Smedley proposes the budget to unanimous approval

Council Leader Councillor Brian Smedley (Westover,Labour) said “This is a positive and stable budget that keeps the precept at the expected level of 5%. This enables us to retain our services, sustain our assets and maintain the responsible level of reserves as is our legal requirement. This budget puts us on a strong footing for the future, enhances our community values and allows us to continue to keep Bridgwater clean, green and welcoming for everyone.”

Precepts for Somerset Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Fire and Rescue Authority will be set separately and combined with the Town Council’s precept to form total council tax bills from April 2026.

Council Tax Support and single occupancy discounts continue to be available through Somerset Council.

The budget was approved 13-0 with the Conservative group seconding the proposal.

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