TOWN councillors in Minehead are set to approve a below inflation increase in their precept of just two per cent when they meet later this month.

It follows a controversial rise in council tax bills last year of nearly 20 per cent which was slammed as ‘scandalous’ by then-MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, who wanted the council investigated for ‘excessive secrecy’.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said at the time residents should have been properly consulted about the possibility of such an increase.

This year, councillors have been receiving monthly budget reports by new clerk Ben Parker in meetings open to the public.

Mr Parker told councillors in his latest update that a two per cent precept increase was being proposed, which would take the council’s 2025/26 budget to about £950,000.

He said: “The proposed precept is not an arbitrary figure, but a carefully calculated response to economic challenges, accounting for the inflationary pressures affecting both our residents and the town council itself.

“We have balanced the recognition of residents’ financial pressures with the council’s need to maintain sustainable services, which captures the council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent resource allocation.”

Mr Parker said the budget was ‘a reflection of the council’s understanding of our community’s needs’.

He said: “This budget, if approved, will drive a focused, service-providing council.

“The primary objective is to retain and maintain essential town services while operating within strict financial constraints.

“Every line item in this budget reflects a careful balance between community needs and financial sustainability, making some difficult but necessary choices.

“By presenting a transparent and straightforward report, the aim is to demonstrate our commitment to responsible, accountable local governance.”

Mr Parker said staff had drawn directly from the collective insights of councillors, committees, and advisory groups in preparing the draft budget.

The UK’s Office of National Statistics said its consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation was currently running at 2.6 per cent.

Minehead councillors will meet to decide their budget for the next financial year in the town’s Irnham Road Community Centre on Tuesday, January 28, at 7.30pm, which any resident can attend.