Understanding Your Polegate Town Council Precept: What the 30p per week Increase Means for You
Unfortunately, Polegate Town Council due to increases in costs beyond its control has needed to make a modest increase in the council precept for 2025–26. The total precept for the year will be £158.50 per household rising from £140.30, reflecting an annual increase of £18.20 —or just 30 pence per week for those who pay their council tax in full.
We know that percentage increases in council precepts can sometimes seem higher for smaller councils, but it’s important to understand what this means in real terms. For example, while the percentage increase might appear significant, it translates to just 30p per week, the cost of a single teabag or less than a bar of chocolate.
What Does the Precept Pay For?
This precept allows the council to deliver essential services that benefit everyone in the community including grass cutting, street lighting, Christmas lights and summer and winter flowers, play areas and open spaces and allotments. This year the main increases have been for street lighting energy which has increased significantly (and makes up around 6.4% of the total budget) and required works on the allotments. There has also had to be a significant increase in maintenance for the recreation ground, due to vandalism and graffiti. Administration has also increase slightly as there are increasing works to maintain trees on council land. It is important to recognise that Polegate Town Council continues to provide extra cuts on top of the two that the County Council contribute towards. Many other parishes and towns have ceased grass cutting and areas only have two cuts per year. This is a significant part of the budget, 5.6% of the whole budget.
Why This Increase is Necessary
Costs have risen significantly for councils across the country due to inflation, rising service and energy costs, and regulatory requirements. To maintain the high standard of services you rely on, the precept needs to keep pace with these rising costs. For comparison:
- Last year’s budget/ precept: £140.30 per household
- This year’s budget/ precept: £158.50 per household
- Difference: £18.20 annually / 30p per week
The small adjustment helps avoid cuts to services that many residents depend on while continuing to ensure value for money.
Who Pays the Precept?
The £158.50 total applies only to households that pay their council tax in full. Those on reduced payments or exemptions will not pay this amount. For those who do pay, the council precept represents a small but vital contribution to the community’s well-being. In Polegate 27% of households do NOT pay the full council tax. This is due to a large number of single households and those receiving Benefits. The calculation for this comes from Wealden District Council and this has been queried, as it is a significant proportion that do not pay in full.
We are committed to transparency and ensuring every pound is spent wisely to improve the quality of life for our residents. This increase will enable us to continue providing vital services and invest in the future of our community. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Polegate an even better place to live.