The Town Council has announced an increase of 8.7% in the precept for the upcoming 2025/26 financial year. This increase is necessary to fund essential council services, community projects, and staffing changes aimed at enhancing the overall operation of the Town Council. Below, we provide an overview of the proposed increase and what it means for local residents.

Precept Overview

Total Precept Requirement: £326,933
Percentage Increase: +8.7%
Impact on a Band D Property: £9.72 per year, £0.81 per month.

The precept for a Band D property will increase from £115 to £125 per year.

Why the Increase is Necessary

The increase in the precept is essential to ensure the continued delivery of vital services and community initiatives. Key factors contributing to the increase include:

Expanded Staffing: The Town Council has made adjustments to the staffing structure, including the hiring of new staff and changes in employee roles, to better serve the community.
Rising Costs: Like many other councils, we are facing inflationary pressures that impact the costs of delivering services, maintaining facilities, and running community programs.
Community Events & Projects: The Town Council is committed to supporting important local events and initiatives, such as the Christmas Festival and the Active Regen program, which require continued funding.
Community Impact & Benefits: Despite the increase, the Town Council remains committed to enhancing the well-being of residents. Funds will support a range of projects, including:

Community Club: £3000
Bonfire Event: £8000
Active Regen Program: £8000
Christmas Festival: £12000
Summer Carnival: £10000
These programs help foster a sense of community and bring residents together throughout the year.

Alternative Budget Proposal: The Town Council also considered an alternative budget scenario to reduce the precept increase. However, this would involve cuts to discretionary spending on some community events and initiatives. After careful consideration, the decision was made to proceed with the proposed precept increase to maintain vital services and community projects but to realign current savings made by the Council to keep your council tax low from the Town Council.

Next Steps

The final precept figure was formally approved by the Town Council at the precept meeting held on Monday 27th January 2025.

We understand that any increase in council tax can be concerning for residents, but we want to assure you that this increase is necessary to continue supporting the community and maintaining the quality of services you rely on. The Town Council is dedicated to delivering value for money and supporting local residents, and we appreciate your understanding as we move forward into the 2025/26 financial year.

For detailed information on the budget and precept, please look through our finance pages or contact the Town Council office by telephone: 01909 564169 or email at clerk@dinningtonstjohns-tc.gov.uk.