Town council budget approved as council tax set to increase

Westbury residents face an 8.4% rise in council tax after Westbury Town Council approved its 2026-27 budget. 

The budget (precept) for the 2026-27 financial year was approved at a Full Council meeting on Monday 5th January. 

The 8.4% rise in the council tax for the average band D property is an increase of £24 a year, or 46p a week. 

Councillor Phillip Harcourt said the devolution of services from Wiltshire Council to Westbury Town Council contributed to the increase in the precept. 

He said, “This budget was determined when Wiltshire Council decided to go through the process of devolution of services.” 

“It’s been great for the town as a whole, but it did leave us having to produce a budget which, on the face of it, sounds a bit unpalatable.” 

The budget was unanimously agreed by councillors, however Councillor Matthew Dean and Councillor Mark Harper both expressed discomfort at the increase being above the rate of inflation.  

Councillor Mark Bailey, Deputy Mayor and member of the Financial Planning and Scrutiny Committee, said, “The committee has discussed this, we have been through these figures, and it has been very carefully looked at by members of this council.”  

The precept is the primary funding source for Westbury Town Council. It supports essential services, staff, and the resources needed to operate efficiently. It is collected by Wiltshire Council and forms a small part of the overall council tax bill. 

Pictured: The Laverton, home of Westbury Town Council