TAUNTON Town Council has approved a proposed draft budget for 2024/25 which could cost taxpayers £233.31 per year.

The draft budget could cost £233.31 per annum on Band D; this is an additional £123.64 per annum which is £2.37 a week extra per household.

The proposed base budget councillor agreed upon is £4,497,296, but further conversations will continue with Somerset Council over the next couple of months before it gets finalised.

This draft budget focusses on plans which are due to be published in January, relating to upgrading and improving facilities such as parks, play areas and public conveniences, already held by Taunton Town Council.

Councillors discussed the impact that this increase might have at a time when household budgets are already stretched but understood that without an increase, vital facilities would inevitably continue to decline.

Cllr Tom Deakin, leader of Taunton Town Council, said: “Residents will have to contribute more council tax, but it can be beneficial.

“It’s about an extra £2.50 for household. I personally think it’s value for money.”

Councillor Giuseppe Fraschini said he was worried about “how we are going to justify” the budget “if it goes through”.

Cllr Deakin also said: “The financial crisis facing Somerset Council poses a fresh challenge for all town and parish councils across Somerset, as we need to consider how we can step in to ensure continuity of services for our residents.

“We have been able to achieve so much since the formation of the town council in April, and we feel confident that we can do more next year, but we need the funding to achieve this.

“We took positive steps towards the much-needed upgrade to our public toilets and in ensuring that vital services, like Citizen’s Advice Somerset can continue and our upcoming Corporate Plan sets out in much more detail, our vision to shape the future of Taunton.

“Discussions will continue with Somerset Council, on what assets and services may be devolved to the town council and it is vital that we ensure that we are in a sound financial position to allow us to fulfil that role effectively.”

Councillors voted to agree to the proposed base budget, with the understanding that it is subject to change following further discussion with Somerset Council regarding devolved services.

This year’s budget is £2,114,000 at a cost of £109.67 per annum.