Parish, town and city councils across Mid-Somerset have confirmed how much residents will pay in 2026–27 towards local services through their precepts.

Glastonbury Town Council has set a £1.13 million budget, resulting in a Band D precept of £332.31 a year. Shepton Mallet Town Council's Band D figure is £323.96, while Street Parish Council has set a significantly lower £215.01.

Wells City Council has agreed a 1.97% increase for the coming year — equivalent to around 6p per week on a Band D property. The full annual Band D total was not included in the council's published release.

Why the figures differ

The variation is largely structural rather than political.

A key factor is tax base size — the number of Band D-equivalent properties each council spreads its costs across. Areas with more households can distribute spending more widely, reducing the per-property charge.

Service scope also differs.

Glastonbury Town Council operates public toilets, youth services, the Tor Bus, markets and cultural events, and has budgeted significant investment in play areas. It also generates income from car parks and venues to offset some costs.

Shepton Mallet Town Council funds parks, CCTV, toilets, allotments, flower beds and community grants, and maintains assets including Collett Park and the Market Cross.

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Street Parish Council funds CCTV, the library, play areas, markets and events, but owns fewer high-cost assets and employs fewer staff.

Wells City Council says its balanced budget will maintain community services, deliver events and markets, continue investment in city facilities and build reserves, while keeping the increase below two per cent.

The wider context

These decisions are being made against ongoing financial pressure at Somerset Council, which declared a financial emergency in 2023.

Across Somerset, parish, town and city councils have increasingly taken on services such as toilets, CCTV and youth provision to prevent them being withdrawn. While this protects local facilities, it brings continuing financial commitments that are reflected in precept levels.

What makes up your Council Tax bill

Council Tax is made up of separate charges collected by Somerset Council, including:

• Somerset Council general services

• Adult Social Care precept

• Police and Crime Commissioner

• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority

• Parish, town or city council precept

• Somerset Rivers Authority

Each authority sets its own element independently.

The bottom line

Street remains the lowest among the four. Glastonbury sits highest, with Shepton Mallet close behind. Wells has confirmed a modest percentage rise, though its full Band D annual figure has not been published in the information provided.

The differences reflect tax base size, service responsibility and long-term financial commitments rather than simple spending decisions.

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