Street Parish Council has approved its budget for the 2025-26 financial year, with an increase of £2.33 per month for residents in a Band D property.

The council's precept – the portion of council tax that funds local services – will rise to £842,117, up from £718,000 last year. Despite the increase, the council says Street's precept remains lower than many neighbouring areas, particularly those taking on more assets and services from Somerset Council through devolution.

What will the money be spent on?

The increase comes as Street Parish Council takes on more responsibility for community services, partly in response to the financial crisis at Somerset Council, which has been forced to make deep cuts. The budget aims to protect and improve local facilities, with key investments including:

• Play areas and open spaces – The council will take over responsibility for play areas and public spaces, with plans to ensure all residents are within walking distance of a play area.
• CCTV and public safety – Funding will be allocated for new CCTV to improve security in the town.
• Public toilets and market support – The council will explore solutions for public toilet facilities and ways to support Street's weekly market.
• Library services – Street Library, one of Somerset's top-performing community libraries, will continue to receive funding.
• Community grants – Money has been allocated to support key organisations including Crispin Community Centre, Greenbank Swimming Pool, and Strode Theatre, with additional funding available for other local groups.
• Health and wellbeing – The council will work with organisations like YMCA and Mind in Somerset, while also funding High Street improvements and projects supporting young people and vulnerable residents.

The council has also reaffirmed its commitment to the upkeep of Merriman Park, which will soon be home to a new Sensory Garden designed to create a calming, inclusive space for residents.

How will the rise affect households?

A spokesperson for Street Parish Council said: "We understand that any increase in the precept impacts residents, and we have worked hard to keep this as modest as possible while ensuring we can continue to provide essential services and invest in our community."

The council highlighted that while the precept is calculated based on Band D properties, the majority of homes in Street (77.51%) fall into Bands A to C, meaning most residents will pay less than the full Band D amount. Households eligible for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme will also receive further support.

"This budget is a proactive response to the challenges we face, and we are committed to making Street an even better place to live, work, and visit," the spokesperson added.

How much more will you pay?

The increase means Band D households will pay an extra £27.97 per year (£2.33 per month, or 54p per week), taking their total parish council contribution to £214.94 for the year.

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