On Thursday 23 January, Bridgwater Town Council approved its budget for the financial year from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 during its Full Council meeting.
This decision follows months of planning, where committees meeting in public carefully assessed priorities to ensure the budget maximises benefits for the community.
The 2024/2025 financial year marked a significant transformation, with Bridgwater Town Council successfully taking on key services devolved from Somerset Council after they declared a financial emergency. This ensured essential services continued without disruption, reaffirming the Council’s dedication to supporting its residents during challenging times.
The budget approval process involved extensive debate from both political parties, reflecting the importance and impact of taking on this difficult decision. This thorough deliberation highlights the Council’s commitment to making informed decisions that best serve the community’s needs.
The approved budget focuses on improving quality of life across Bridgwater, enabling the council to:
- Enhance Local Amenities: Increase grass-cutting frequency, improve residential street cleaning, and upgrade recreational spaces.
- Engage Young People: Expand detached youth work programs to reduce antisocial behaviour and support young residents.
- Invest in Infrastructure: Commit to upgrades such as pathway repairs, improved lighting, and the enhancement of recreational facilities, including Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), promoting accessibility and enriching daily life.
Of the 17,560 properties in Bridgwater, 16,303 (92.84%) fall into Council Tax Bands A-C. These households will see only modest increases, ensuring affordability:
- Band A: £1.48 per week (covering over 8,900 properties)
- Band B: £1.73 per week
- Band C: £1.98 per week
For Band D households, the increase will be £2.23 per week.
These contributions fund critical services that directly benefit residents. Bridgwater Town Council is committed to delivering value while building a stronger, more connected community. Alongside maintaining current services, the budget will allow for:
- Expanded youth engagement programs to promote positive opportunities for young people.
- Introduction of new initiatives such as the Play Day event, aimed at fostering community engagement and recreation.
- Enhanced residential street cleaning to ensure cleaner neighbourhoods.
- Continued support for local events and initiatives that bring residents together.
- Continued funding for 60 CCTV cameras across Bridgwater to ensure a safer environment.
- Regular maintenance and safety checks keep parks clean, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
- Support for local initiatives, in 2024, the council awarded grant funding to 33 local groups and individuals, empowering grassroots projects and strengthening the community.
This budget represents more than just numbers, it is an investment in Bridgwater’s people and future. Every pound spent is dedicated to creating a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant town where all residents can thrive.
Councillor Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council, stated:
“In Bridgwater, we provide more services and own more assets than any other town or parish council.
“We are committed to preserving jobs, maintaining services, and protecting the assets that our community relies on. With nearly 9,000 dwellings in Band A and just 800 in Band D, our town has unique needs compared to other towns in Somerset.
“Despite the challenges posed by the formation of Unitary Council for Somerset, the Town Council is dedicated to continuing its work for the benefit of our residents.
“We are asking the majority of Bridgwater residents—those in Band A—to contribute just £1.48 more per week, and those in Band D, £2.23 more. This small increase ensures that our parks and gardens remain open, our streets stay clean, and our community buildings remain active.
Your Town Council is here, working from your Town Hall, to deliver these essential services.”