Council approves tax rise, safeguarding Christmas trees, fireworks, and parking. Tough choices avoid deeper service cuts
The council approved a budget for 2025/26 and will save £2.849 million. The council will also use £1 million from reserves to address the initial £15.46 million deficit.
Leaders mentioned funding cuts caused “significant pressures”. The firework display is safe and car parking promotions are staying too.
This includes free Sunday parking downtown and free Saturday parking in December remains. Christmas trees in Seaton and Headland also stay.
Council Leader Brenda Harrison cited government help, as they received nearly £10 million. She acknowledged “difficult decisions” remain and that the council tax goes up by 4.99%, including 2.99% for core tax, plus 2% for adult social care.
This increase aligns with government plans and generates £2.625 million extra. Cllr Harrison recognizes people struggle, but says it prevents bigger service cuts.
Band A homes, 52% of households, will pay £66.01 more yearly, which is £1.27 weekly. Bills include police and fire authority costs, as those organizations decide their respective costs.
The budget passed 19 to 8, with the opposition voting against it. Councillor Jim Lindridge wanted a smaller rise, proposing 2% for social care only and wanting to freeze core tax.
Labour voted it down, stating the budget took months to create. Last year, council tax rose 2.99% when a coalition led the council.