Concern has been raised about the huge increase in the precept (tax) that residents in Midsomer Norton are having to pay from April 2026.
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 charity that has developed a positive reputation for organising events and running community buildings. Now, the charity’s future is in doubt.
In response to a request from Nathan Hartley (pictured), Project Manager for the new Midsomer Norton Community Connectors initiative, the Town Council said:
“The Town Council recently undertook a review of how community events in the town are organised and funded. As part of this review, councillors considered a range of options for how events could be managed in the future. 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.”
Is this good value for money? Email Nathan with your thoughts: nathanhartley@midsomernorton.org.uk
