Weymouth Town Council Approves 10% Precept Rise for 2026–27 Budget

Weymouth Town Council last night approved its 2026–27 budget, which includes a 10% increase in the town precept following a closely contested vote in the council chamber.

Councillors voted 17 in favour of the increase, with five voting against and one abstention, signalling clear but not unanimous support for the higher levy on local taxpayers.

The rise means residents in Weymouth will see a noticeable increase in their council portion of the council tax bill next year. Supporters of the budget argued that the additional income is necessary to maintain local services, meet rising operational costs, and invest in community projects across the town.

However, opponents criticised the scale of the increase, pointing out that a 10% rise significantly outstrips the current national inflation rate of 3.2%. They warned that the decision could place additional financial pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.

Several councillors who voted against the budget said alternative proposals should have been explored, including smaller, phased increases or further savings within council spending.

In response, cabinet members backing the budget argued that failing to raise the precept adequately could lead to cuts in services such as public spaces, events, community support programmes, and maintenance of local facilities.

Following the vote, the council confirmed that details of how the additional funds will be allocated will be published in the coming weeks, alongside a breakdown of the expected impact on average council tax bills for Weymouth residents.