To combat the ongoing financial emergency declared by Somerset Council, Glastonbury Town Council has outlined its budget and precept plans for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Aimed at preserving local services and enhancing the town's quality of life, the adjustments are a proactive step amidst the wider council's budgetary constraints.

At the heart of Glastonbury Town Council's responsibilities are maintaining public conveniences, managing several open spaces, skatepark lighting, allotments, and organising income-generating events like the Frost Fayre. Additionally, the council provides grants to local organisations, contributing significantly to the community's well-being.

The council's primary income source comes from the "Precept," a levy on householders that represents about 9% of the total Council Tax. This year, in light of Somerset Council's financial predicament, Glastonbury has been compelled to increase its budget by £310,000, necessitating a rise in the Precept.

For a Band D household, the annual increase will amount to £96.13, with proportions of this increment allocated to various essential services and projects. These include £49.02 to counteract the cuts by Somerset Council, £18.04 for the improvement of the Glastonbury Information Centre and the development of a Glastonbury Museum, and smaller portions for heritage, tourism, and traffic improvements.

The council emphasises the necessity of these increases for maintaining essential services such as CCTV, public toilets, and green spaces—areas under threat due to the broader council's financial difficulties. Additionally, the adjustments will support the town's long-term economic benefit by investing in heritage and tourism and continuing key projects like the retrofitting of the Town Hall.

Glastonbury Town Council also takes pride in having income-generating assets like St Dunstan's Car Park, which aids in subsidising expenditure. Moreover, the council's commitment to supporting the community is evident in its increase in grant pots for local organisations, ensuring the continued delivery of services and infrastructure improvements.

To assist households, Somerset Council has introduced a Council Tax Reduction Scheme offering up to a 100% discount for those on the lowest incomes, ensuring that support remains accessible to all residents.

This budget revision reflects Glastonbury Town Council's dedication to safeguarding the town's future, ensuring that despite financial challenges at the county level, local services and quality of life remain uncompromised. For full details, click here.