2025/2026 Budget Statement

WESTGATE-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET STATEMENT

We can confirm that the precept for 2025/26 will be £388,000.

The precept for 2024/25 was £209,000.

This is an increase of 85.7% – from £81.90 annually to £144 annually, or an extra £62.10 per year for a Band D property.

There are three main reasons for this increase.

1.Staff costs have risen by c£110,000 due to increased numbers and hours – for both office and operative staff – alongside nationwide increases in national insurance and a higher employer pension commitment. Immediate benefits include streamlined office operations for residents and businesses alike and an increase in street cleansing, resulting in a cleaner Westgate-on-Sea.

2.The decision was made to replenish the council reserves to the tune of c£32,000 following the purchase of a new vehicle. This is prudent at a time of economic uncertainty.

3.c£40,000 of funding has been made available for the council’s community asset ambitions, including early work needed to ascertain the viability of acquiring Westgate Library, a key landmark in the town, and an allowance for funds should a deposit be needed.

This increase of £62.10 per Band D property equates to £5.18 a month, £1.19 a week or 17p per day.