Shepton Mallet Town Council has agreed a 2.5% rise in its council tax precept for 2024/25, taking the Band D rate to £6.23 per week — an increase of 15p compared with last year.

A precept is the portion of your Council Tax that goes directly to the Town Council. Unlike Somerset Council, which covers things like schools, social care, roads and rubbish collection, the Town Council uses its share to fund very local services — parks, events, toilets, CCTV and community groups. Each town sets its own precept once a year.

It was set after a five‑month process of committee meetings and public consultation. The council says the funding will help maintain community facilities, support events and services, and prepare for the possible transfer of further responsibilities from Somerset Council, which is operating under a declared financial crisis.

Town councillors have already taken over the town's CCTV network and the public toilets on Commercial Road from Somerset Council as part of efforts to protect essential local services.

The council funds and maintains Collett Park, the Cenotaph and the Market Cross, awards grants totalling more than £95,000 this year to organisations such as Citizens Advice Somerset and the YMCA, and supports the Shepton Mallet Library. It also organises and contributes to community events including Collett Park Day, Cinema in the Park, the Carnival, Mid Somerset Show and Snowdrop Festival, and delivered the Christmas lights switch‑on that attracted almost 2,000 people.

The council owns and maintains 100 allotments across three sites, the West Shepton skate park and BMX track, and public flower beds. It also promotes the town through initiatives such as the Hello Shepton website to support local businesses and tourism.

Dave Crisfield, Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council, said the modest precept increase would allow the council to continue providing services, preserve landmarks and support community groups while keeping the burden on residents as low as possible.

More local stories:

advertisement

• Shepton road closed until 2 February for National Grid works

• Shepton Mallet marks 10 years of Snowdrop Festival magic

Sign up to our free local newsletter — Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.