Households in Street 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.
• Street Parish Council's precept is increasing to £842,117, adding 54p per week (£27.97 per year) to Band D bills.

How much more will Street households pay?

The total council tax bill is made up of contributions from Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, the Fire Service, and Street Parish Council.

If all proposed increases go ahead, Band D households in Street 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).
• Street Parish Council precept increase – adding 54p per week (£27.97 per year).

Total impact for Band D households:

Around £140 extra per year (equivalent to approximately £2.69 more per week).

For households in different council tax bands, the increase will vary. Those in higher bands (E-H) will pay more, while properties in Bands A-C will see 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 above the usual 5% cap, as it struggles with an £88.8 million budget shortfall.

Even after cutting services and selling off assets, the council faces a £53.8 million funding gap for 2025-26.

• The tax rise is part of Exceptional Financial Support, allowing the council to set a higher increase than usual.
• Despite this, Somerset Council says it will still need to borrow money and sell assets to stay afloat.
• The biggest financial pressures remain adult and children's social care, which continue to rise in cost.

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 increase 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.

Street Parish Council precept increase

Street Parish Council has set its precept at £842,117 for 2025-26, adding 54p per week (£27.97 per year) for Band D households.

• The parish precept funds local services in Street, rather than going to county-wide budgets.
• This year's budget includes investment in play areas, CCTV, and support for community facilities like the library, Greenbank Swimming Pool, and Strode Theatre.
• The council has also set aside funding for public safety initiatives, youth support, and High Street improvements.

Support is available for eligible households through Somerset Council's Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which provides financial relief for those on low incomes.

Controversy over council pay rises

Despite budget cuts 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, bringing his annual salary to over £212,000.

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

How council tax works – and where your money goes

Council tax is a local charge to fund services including education, waste collection, social care, and emergency services. The amount paid depends on:

• Your property band (A to H) – Band D is the benchmark, with lower bands paying less and higher bands paying more.
• Where you live – Different areas have different precepts, including town and parish councils.

Your total council tax bill is split between multiple authorities:

• Somerset Council – receives the largest share to fund core services.
• Avon and Somerset Police – funds local policing and crime prevention.
• Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue – supports emergency services.
• Street Parish Council – funds local amenities and community 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:

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

Residents with questions about the Street Parish Council precept can contact Parish Clerk Jenny Service on 01458 440588 or email [email protected].