Weymouth Town Council agrees 2026/27 budget and precept increase

Weymouth Town Council has approved its budget and council tax precept for the 2026/27 financial year, agreeing a modest increase that will see Band D households pay an additional £1.67 per month.

At a Full Council meeting held on Wednesday 14 January, councillors approved a recommended precept of £4,375,270. The increase equates to £20.01 per year for a Band D property and will take effect from April.

The town council’s precept represents its share of residents’ council tax and is used to fund a range of local services, including parks, gardens and open spaces, events, cemeteries, allotments, the beach, and 10 public toilet facilities. The council also provides grants to local organisations and supports community and public safety initiatives across Weymouth.

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Alongside the precept, councillors approved budget proposals setting out total spending of £5.1 million for the year ahead. This will be funded through a mix of income generation, service fees and charges, and the council tax precept.

The agreed budget includes funding for two new members of staff, whose roles will focus on improving the cleanliness, maintenance and overall safety of the town. Their work will include tackling litter and graffiti and providing a more visible frontline presence in public spaces.

Cllr Caroline Nickinson, Chair of Full Council, said the council had worked to balance financial pressures with the need to protect local services.

“In setting a balanced budget, we have tried to keep the increase in the precept for the year ahead as low as we can,” she said. “This will ensure we are able to protect the wide range of services the Town Council is responsible for, including parks, gardens and open spaces, events, public toilets, play areas, community grants, allotments, and the beach and Promenade. We have also agreed to fund new roles that will provide visible, frontline services across our town for the benefit of residents.”

Full details of the decision, including the committee report and appendices, are available on the council’s website.