On Monday 19th January the Town Council agreed a budget of £1,437,785 for the 2026/27 financial year.
In preparing this year’s budget, the Council has worked to balance rising operational costs with the recognition that many households are facing financial pressures. Minimising the increase in the Town Council’s share of council tax has remained a key priority throughout the process.
With this in mind, the Town Council has agreed a budget which includes projected income of £151,570 and expenditure of £1,589,355. Full details of the income and expenditure can be found on the Town Council’s website Finances – Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council.
The expenditure supports a wide range of services and facilities across the towns including maintenance of the cemeteries, provision of allotments and funding of some of the key events in the towns including fireworks and towns Christmas lights. It also covers the cost of certain public facilities such as CCTV, benches, tree & hedge maintenance, the Princess Theatre and the work of staff to support residents and visitors. In addition, the Council has allocated a budget of £42,700 to award in grants to community groups and local businesses.
The budget also reflects the increased responsibilities taken on from Somerset Council, including additional costs for highways maintenance, floral displays, parks, and public conveniences.
The expenditure will be funded by a precept of £1,437,785 which will form part of the council tax along with the requirements of Somerset Council and Police. For a Band D property, this represents an annual increase of £7.44, bringing the Town Council element to £202.06.