In a move to shield essential community services from potential cuts, Shepton Mallet Town Council has finalised its 2024-2025 budget, which includes a small increase in the precept it collects.

This change means that for a household in Band D, there will be an additional charge of £1.86 per week.

The precept is a key part of the Council Tax, directly funding services and developments within the town.

For those seeking further information about the Council's activities, the official website www.sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk offers detailed insights.

This budget adjustment is a proactive response to the financial difficulties facing Somerset Council, which could lead to reductions in various non-essential services such as litter picking, highway maintenance outside of core routes, and public toilet upkeep.

In a statement, the town council said: "We consider these services vital for our residents' quality of life and have allocated a budget to ensure their continuity if Somerset Council decides to cease funding or discontinue them.

Every local town and parish council is being asked to potentially pick up the shortfall and take ownership of these services. If the councils don't do so, there is a very significant risk the services disappear.

As the first tier of local government, City, Town, and Parish Councils are closest to the community they serve. All the money collected as a precept stays within Shepton Mallet, benefitting the local area directly."

Council Tax bills are made up of a number of services; Somerset Council, Policy, Fire and Rescue, Rivers Authority and the Town Council. The Town Council's part is only 10% of the current bill.

For the 2024-2025 precept, the cost per Band D equivalent will be £5.88 per week or £25.46 per month.