Budget Estimates 2025-26

Following public consultation the Town Council approved the budget estimates for 2025-26 with an increase in expenditure from £1.8 million to £2.2 million, an increase of 22% with estimated income increasing from £205k to £346k, which is an increase of 69%.

The rise in employer national insurance contributions has impacted on us by around £40k, also as a growing organisation in terms of people and services we deliver, we need to rent more space at Bingham House and also as part of our tenancy obligations there are certain aspects of the building we need to contribute to, so this is an additional £31k. Energy bills and replacing vehicles, machinery and equipment adds a further £62k. We are also allocating £70k towards improving our green spaces and play provision as well as £20k towards addressing issues relating to flood risk, low water flow, and biodiversity improvements, with an additional £100k on staffing costs, which covers administrative and accountancy support, as well as the annual national pay increase, which covers cost of living. The average salary at the Town Council is £36k, the median is £29k. Contractual increments are based on satisfactory performance.

With a 69% increase in income estimated, we are focused on doing all we can to generate income from sources other than the Council Tax, including commercial activity, grant applications and sponsorship.