Burnham and Highbridge facing 35% council tax rise

Band D properties will see a council tax increase of £51.21 in the Burnham and Highbridge area

Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge councillors have approved a 35.7% increase in council tax for the 2025/26 financial year.

Earlier this month the local town council proposed an increase of £51.21 per year on Band D properties, to £194.62 from £143.41 last year.

Due to Somerset Council still being in a financial emergency, the town council has taken on extra costs such as highway maintenance.

It said it was a "difficult decision" to increase taxes but it was needed to save "essential services".

The maintenance of flower beds is now under the local town council

The council says the increase, which equates to £1 per week, comes as it has to take on extra 'devolution' costs with the council's total budget for the coming year to increase from £1,324,115 from £952,901 last year.

The increase will cover the cost of some public facilities including CCTV, benches, tree & hedge maintenance, the Princess Theatre.

As well as highway maintenance, the town council is also now responsible for floral displays, parks and public toilets.

A spokesperson said: "To set the budget this year, the council has had to face the impact of significant increases in the cost in employer national insurance contributions, in particular, whilst also trying to mitigate the impact of the reduction of services proposed by Somerset Council."