AN average 27p per week increase in Minehead council tax bills from April was agreed by town councillors this week.

The town council on Tuesday (January 28) set a £1.01million precept for the 2025-26 financial year, representing a 6.5 per cent rise.

It was an historic moment for the council as Minehead prepares to take over management from Somerset Council of nearly all the town’s green spaces.

Town clerk Ben Parker said the budget represented a carefully considered investment in Minehead’s future, particularly as responsibility was transferred for ‘beloved’ local amenities including Blenheim Gardens, Parks Walk, Woodcombe Walk, Bratton Park, the Culvercliffe open space, and a number of play areas.

Mr Parker said: “The transfer of responsibility, when it occurs, will represent a significant milestone for Minehead.

“While it does impact our budget, it ensures that local spaces will receive the attention they deserve, with decisions made right here in Minehead by people who understand our community's needs.

“Our focus for the coming year will be firmly on service delivery.

“With the transfer of green spaces and the efficiency savings we have identified, we are positioning ourselves to provide enhanced, responsive services that directly benefit our community.”

Mr Parker said the council carried out a comprehensive review of existing budgets and found savings across a number of service areas, including weed removal costs, building maintenance, and streamlining and consolidating other costs.

He said savings helped to minimise the impact on the town’s council taxpayers of the authority’s new responsibilities.

Mr Parker said the town council portion of the overall Somerset council tax bill was the only element which guaranteed all money raised would actually be spent in Minehead.

From April, the average Band D Minehead property owner will pay £228.47 annually for town council services, an increase of £13.95.