Glastonbury Town Council has voted to increase the council's precept — the portion of council tax it charges households — by five per cent for the next financial year.

Councillors heard the town's overall budget has risen by eight per cent, but that the increase passed on to residents has been capped at five per cent because more properties in Glastonbury are now paying council tax.

For a band D property the rise equates to about 30p per week, with councillors noting most homes in the town — around three quarters — are in council tax bands A to C and will pay less than that.

Members were also told Somerset Council had planned to change how it pays precept funding to town and parish councils, shifting from one annual payment to two instalments in April and September. The timing of that decision, made late in the budget process, would have caused difficulties for planned spending.

Following discussions with Somerset Council, the town has secured agreement to receive its full precept payment in April for the coming year, allowing planned work to continue. Councillors said the council will prepare for the new two‑payment system in future years.

The precept and budget were approved after a vote, with members saying the increase was necessary to manage rising costs while protecting local services and maintaining financial stability.

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