THE Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Janet Lloyd has issued a statement ahead of the rise in Council Tax.

At their monthly meeting on January 6, councillors unanimously agreed to increase Wellington Town Council’s share of the overall Council Tax bill (the precept) for 2025/26 by 27.41 per cent.

The rise comes as a result of the town council’s decision to take on additional responsibilities in the coming year, including preservation of the town’s open spaces, amid Somerset Council’s ongoing financial difficulties.

Mayor Janet Lloyd said “We appreciate that any increase in the amount that people have to pay is difficult as other household bills are increasing too. However, by taking on the ownership and management of the open spaces in the town and recruiting our own open spaces team, not only will we be able to deliver those services more cost effectively than alternative approaches, but also to a higher quality.

“Also, by enhancing our support for the more vulnerable members of our community we can mitigate the reductions in service delivery and support from Somerset Council which will, in all likelihood, continue to reduce as it addresses its financial challenges.”

Councillors have debated the prospect of a hike in its precept over recent months. There were fears some services could be lost if Wellington Town Council did not take them on from Somerset Council, but it’s expected to come at a cost of around £1,459,132.50, as reported on December 6.

The increase will take the average household B and D bill to £211.88 – equivalent to just over £4 a week.

It means those in B and D households will be paying an extra £45.59 a year for town council services.

Two years ago, those same households were facing a Council Tax charge from the town council for just £84.65.