A North Cornwall council has announced that some residents will be paying 20 per cent more in council tax in the coming year. 

Bude-Stratton Town Council has announced today that council tax for the 2024/2025 financial year will be increasing.  

At January’s meeting, the council finalised its budget for the upcoming fiscal year.  

The total budget for 2024/25 is a sum of £2,405,206, however, after offsetting the council’s income against its projected expenditure, there remains a shortfall of £1,223,416.  

Therefore, the council has decided to make up this shortfall through an increase in council tax. 

In the 2023/24, the precept was £992,356, with the annual council tax contribution on a ‘Band D’ property amounting to £248.28.  

However, with this increase, a ‘Band D’ property’s annual contribution will rise by 20.51 per cent to £299.19, equivalent to an extra £0.979 per week or £50.91 per year.  

A spokesperson from the council said: “We want to provide you with insight into the reasoning behind the increase in the Town Council element of the Council Tax. Despite our councillors’ efforts to minimise any increase, the unavoidable rise in the cost of goods and utilities has made it impossible for the town council to maintain last year’s zero increase.    

“Ensuring the continuity of essential services is our top priority. Despite the economic challenges, all town council services, including the maintenance of open spaces, play parks, public toilets, and the cemetery, will continue without disruption. The library, under the town council's management, continues to thrive and there is still free access to the iconic Castle.  

“The 2024/25 budget allocates £20,000 for local grants and an additional £13,300 for a new school food programme. 

“Additionally, we are excited to announce upcoming projects, such as the completion of the Storm Tower and the installation of a new skate park. (Most of the funding for these projects has been secured through grants).