Glastonbury council tax to rise in April – here's how much more you'll pay

Households in Glastonbury will see an increase in their council tax bills from April 2025, as multiple authorities raise their share of local taxation.

• Somerset Council is proposing a 7.5% council tax increase to address a major budget shortfall.
• The police precept is rising by £14 per year for Band D households to fund policing services.
• Glastonbury Town Council's precept is increasing by 6.88%, adding 39p per week to Band D bills.

How much more will Glastonbury households pay?

The total council tax bill is made up of different precepts from Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, the Fire Service, and Glastonbury Town Council.

If all proposed increases go ahead, Band D households in Glastonbury will pay:

• Somerset Council's 7.5% increase – adding around £1.88 per week (£98 per year).
• Police precept increase – adding £1.16 per month (£14 per year).
• Glastonbury Town Council precept increase – adding 39p per week (£20.28 per year).

Total impact for Band D households:

Around £132 extra per year (equivalent to approximately £2.54 more per week).

For households in different council tax bands, the increase will vary. Higher bands (E-H) will pay more, while lower bands (A-C) will see slightly smaller increases.

Why is council tax going up?

Somerset Council's 7.5% increase

Somerset Council has been granted special permission by the government to raise council tax by up to 7.5%, above the usual 5% cap, to help close an £88.8 million budget shortfall.

Even with cost-cutting measures—including staff reductions and asset sales—the council still faces a £53.8 million funding gap for 2025-26.

• The increase is part of Exceptional Financial Support, which allows struggling councils to raise tax above the usual limit.
• Even with the tax rise, the council will still need to sell off assets and borrow money to stay afloat.
• Rising costs in adult and children's social care remain the biggest financial pressures.

Avon and Somerset Police precept increase

The policing portion of council tax is rising by £14 per year for Band D households, following approval by the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel.

• Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said the rise is needed to maintain frontline policing, tackle knife crime, and improve charge rates for serious offences.
• Panel members supported the increase but stressed the need for real improvements in policing services across the region.

Glastonbury Town Council precept increase

Glastonbury Town Council has set its precept at £1,056,000 for 2025-26, an increase of 6.88%. For Band D households, this adds 39p per week (£20.28 per year).

• The town council's precept remains in Glastonbury, directly funding local projects and services.
• Funding for community grants has doubled from £10,000 to £20,000 per year, supporting local groups and organisations.
• The precept will help sustain key services, including:
• Cleaning and maintenance of St John's car park toilets.
• CCTV coverage in the town centre.
• Maintenance of open spaces and play areas.

The council has also highlighted that support is available for eligible households through Somerset Council's Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which provides financial relief for those who qualify.

Controversy over council pay rises

Despite financial struggles and tax increases, Somerset Council has approved a 2.5% pay rise for all staff and councillors, including a £5,000 salary increase for Chief Executive Duncan Sharkey, who will now earn over £212,000 per year.

• The increase was approved in December 2024, despite the council's financial crisis.
• The council says salaries are set by national pay agreements and are publicly available online.
• However, some residents have criticised the decision to approve pay rises while cutting services and raising council tax.

How council tax works – and where your money goes

Council tax is a local tax on residential properties to fund services such as education, waste collection, highways, and emergency services. The amount you pay depends on:

• Your property band (A to H) – Band D is the standard measure, with lower bands paying less and higher bands paying more.
• Where you live – Different authorities set different rates, and town and parish councils add their own precept.

Your total council tax bill is split between multiple organisations:

• Somerset Council – receives the largest share, funding key services.
• Avon and Somerset Police – funds local policing and crime prevention.
• Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue – supports emergency response services.
• Glastonbury Town Council – funds local amenities and projects.

How can residents have their say?

The final decision on Somerset Council's 7.5% tax increase and budget cuts will be made in the coming weeks. Residents can attend or watch key meetings online to have their say:

• Scrutiny Corporate & Resources – 17 February
• Executive Meeting – 19 February
• Full Council Budget Vote – 26 February (reserve date: 5 March)