Neston Town Council Precept Announcement 2025-2026
At the Full Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st January 2025, councillors voted unanimously to support a modest 3.9% increase to the precept request from Cheshire West & Chester for its Council Tax. Councillors considered the final budget proposal and accompanying reports, following recommendations and requests from the Council’s various committees: Market & Town Hall, Community & Environment, HR, and Finance & Administration. Neston Town Council is aware of the many constraints on residents’ purse-strings with the continued cost of living increases and rising prices of food, gas and electric, and fuel. Just under 75% of the properties within Neston are rated as a Band D or lower. Households who benefit from Council Tax relief do not pay this tax. The Band D equivalent for 2025/26, across the entire tax year, is an increase of £2.94, or 25p per month. The percentage figures are more favourable this year thanks to an increase in the tax base figure for Neston.
This year, Neston councillors have been committed to keeping the precept as low as possible, whilst still setting the Town Council up to be financially stable as it heads into the new financial year on 1st April 2025. Neston Town Council is proud to have reduced its precept request by 16%. The Town Council has reached a position it was heading towards prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with plans to extend its services. This increase covers the inflationary pressures to expenditure and the National Insurance increase for employers that will come into effect this April from government.
However, the last two years have seen substantial increases in order to rebuild council coffers following some very heavy outgoings. The Town Council sadly also lost some of its regular Town Hall lettings income mid-way through 2024/25. The burden to return the Council’s General Reserve to the recommended level, as per the Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance guidelines has also had a profound impact. JPAG recommend councils the size of Neston should plan for 3 months minimum running costs, plus income. Last year, Full Council voted in favour of topping up the General Reserves, through the precept, over a 3-year period to ensure the Council remains within the recommended zone. We are pleased to report that this has been achieved within just two years. Consequently, removing the General Reserve burden from this year’s expenditure. Neston Town Council understands the importance of financial planning and has demonstrated a positive commitment to building up its finances over the last 12 months and beyond.
Members were acutely aware that 2025/26 could see unitary Councils raising their Council Tax up to the maximum 5%, after government announced the current cap has been extended, and were keen to pass savings down to residents on a local level. Unitary authorities in England providing social care services can increase tax rates by up to 5%, while others can increase rates by up to 3%.
Also at the meeting, Neston Town Council agreed to progress additional maintenance tasks in the town in the new financial year by introducing an outsourced Ranger Service, through the use of local contractors. The Council hopes that this will have a positive reception during the trial period and help to build up a true reflection of how an in-house ranger could function, without the overarching financial burden of set up fees, additional insurance, purchase of equipment and training during the year.
Neston Town Council provides all of the Christmas lighting for the Town Centre and Parkgate, with money set aside in an Ear-Marked Reserve for Christmas lighting improvements. Research has already begun into how this can be progressed, whilst funding necessary repairs to the Parkgate Christmas tree after recent storms. In 2025/26 Neston Town Council remains committed to supporting community events and projects, with £18,000 ring-fenced for Community Event donations and a total pot of £17,000 for Community Grants which has been maintained. The Town Council also has other additional commitments this year to allow for, including a new server, previously unforeseen allotment repairs and upgrades to pipework, and work on a new Town Hall Business Plan.
Neston’s weekly Friday Market continues to be the jewel in the Town Council’s crown. The market currently operates outdoors 50 weeks of the year, featuring three enhanced markets with incentives for visitors, free children’s activities and musical entertainment, when space allows, at key points within the calendar year. An updated charging schedule will see nominal rises to pitch fees for traders taking effect from 1st April 2025.
Neston Town Council officers continue to work closely with its Cheshire West & Chester Council colleagues in order to keep the Town Hall premises in good working order and to lobby for improvements and repairs, as required. Cheshire West & Chester Council has repaired the Town Hall roof and gutters, with some work to the windows still to be completed. The Town Council will be developing a business plan for the operation of the Town Hall over the next 5 years to improve its sustainability and to make it a more welcoming space for those wishing to hire the building for events. Discussions have also been raised relating to the Town Hall’s rateable value, along with other premises it manages, which could see an increase in charges for the Town Council.
The Mayor of Neston, Cllr Sion Jones stated: “I incredibly proud of our town and especially the Friday Market. I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their commitment to the Council and for making Neston a great place to both live and work. Neston Town Council is committed to nurturing a sustainable market town with a vibrant centre for Neston, its residents, businesses, and visitors by fostering a strong community spirit. As we to continue accomplishing the objectives set within the Council’s Delivery Plan I look forward to what the coming year holds.”
Neston Town Council is looking forward to continuing its work within the community and helping to support a town its residents can be proud of.