A lot of concern has been voiced over the last couple of weeks about the huge increase in the precept (tax) that residents in Midsomer Norton are having to pay from April 2026 onwards.
At its meeting on 2nd February, Midsomer Norton Town Council voted to increase the amount of money it asks of local taxpayers by an incredible 20%. That’s an extra £128,000 in income that the council is raising by asking residents to pay more.
This huge increase comes at the same time that the council has ceased its £25,000 annual grant to the Midsomer Norton Community Trust – a local charity that has developed a positive reputation over the last 15 years for organising events and running community buildings. Now, the future of the charity is in doubt.
In response to a request from us here at the Radstock Times, Midsomer Norton Town Council provided the following statement as to why the decision was made and what plans the council has to manage what the Community Trust used to do:
“Midsomer Norton Town Council recently undertook a review of how community events in the town are organised and funded. Community events are an important part of local life, and the review was carried out to ensure that the way they are delivered remains financially sustainable, transparent and aligned with the Town Council’s wider priorities for community engagement.
As part of this review, councillors considered a range of options for how events could be managed in the future. This included whether continuing the existing grant arrangement remained the most effective use of public funds, or whether a different delivery model could provide greater financial efficiency and clearer accountability.
Following this consideration, councillors decided not to renew the grant arrangement with Midsomer Norton Community Trust. The Town Council’s view was that bringing more of the planning and delivery of events under council oversight would improve transparency around public spending, strengthen governance arrangements and ensure events continue to reflect the priorities and needs of the local community as a whole.
Throughout the review process the Town Council’s focus has been on ensuring continuity of community events while establishing arrangements that are sustainable for the future. The Council recognises the valuable contribution made by community organisations and volunteers in supporting events in the town and appreciates the role they play in bringing people together.
Midsomer Norton Town Council looks will continue to work constructively with the Community Trust, as well as with other local organisations and partners, on areas of shared interest that support the town and its residents.
Looking ahead, Midsomer Norton Town Council will continue to develop arrangements for the planning and delivery of community events by engaging and working with the community as a whole. We want to ensure that events continue to take place while maintaining opportunities for volunteers, community groups and local partners to remain actively involved in delivering successful events for the benefit of the community.”
What do you think? Is this decision good value for money? Do you support the Town Council’s 20% increase in the precept (tax collected from residents) for the year 2026/27?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email at news@radstocktimes.co.uk
what a load of old marketing non-speak…. ideological waffle, nonsensical blethering not to mention rubbish-speak…….