Budget for Service Delivery agreed

Melksham Town Council has approved its budget and precept requirement for the 2026-27 financial year at Full Council on 12 January 2026, an increase of £1.15 per week for a band D household. The decision was not an easy one for councillors, who carefully considered the impact on residents alongside the long-term needs of the town. The budget supports the Council’s commitment to provide a town where people love to live, work and visit.

The town council precept is the Council’s main source of income and is collected by Wiltshire Council as part of the overall council tax bill. It funds the services, facilities, staff and resources required to operate an effective and responsive town council.

Over past years, the town council’s precept has not increased in line with the level of service delivery the Council seeks to provide for its residents. As a result, the 2026–27 budget has been set to support a sustainable financial baseline that enables the Council to plan responsibly for the future.

In setting the budget, councillors considered rising demand for services and community events, inflationary pressures, and national cost increases, including changes to the minimum wage and National Insurance contributions.

The Council looks forward to delivering a programme of services and improvements, including refurbishment of play parks and enhanced community events, while maintaining the Council’s valued day-to-day services.

Residents are reminded that the town council precept is only one element of the overall council tax bill with Wiltshire Council charging the majority. Charges for services such as policing, fire and rescue are set separately by the relevant authorities.

Melksham Town Council remains committed to transparency, value for money and responsible financial management. The 2026-27 budget will support both the protection of existing services and investment in projects that contribute to a town that residents can be proud to call home.