TOWN councillors in Minehead were being asked on Tuesday (January 27) to approve an £80,876 rise in their precept, equating to 4.3 per cent, for the 2026-27 year.

Added to income of £161,738, their precept of £1,092,511 would mean a budget of £1,254,249.

Town clerk Ben Parker said it represented an extra £9.72, or 19p per week, on the average band D property.

Mr Parker said: “The increase reflects the first full-year cost of managing parks and open spaces transferred from Somerset Council in 2025, alongside essential staffing, contract, and maintenance requirements.

“While 2025-26 assumed devolution, this is the first budget after completion of the transfer.

“The modest increase will help moderate the impact on individual households.

“The proposed budget ensures the town council can maintain and improve key local services, continue responsible long‐term asset management, and operate with appropriate reserves.

“Somerset Council’s financial pressures have required town and parish councils across the county to sustain or assume services that have been reduced or withdrawn.

“Minehead has, in line with other larger towns, taken on devolved local assets and responsibilities.

“In setting the budget and precept, the council must balance affordability for residents with the delivery of statutory and discretionary local services, prudent financial management, and maintenance of adequate reserves.”

Mr Parker said during the coming year a full review would be held of all reserve funds earmarked for various projects, including developing a clear policy setting out each reserve’s purpose, target level, expected lifespan, and planned drawdown period.

He said: “The review will strengthen financial planning, improve the clarity of future budgets, and enhance transparency for residents.”

Mr Parker said based on the projected year-end position at the end of March, the council’s general reserve would be £451,626.17, enough to cover four months of expenditure.