Understanding This Year’s Parish Precept Increase

Moretonhampstead Parish Council has agreed a 25% increase in its precept for 2026/27. We recognise that any increase in household bills is significant, and the Council has looked carefully at every option before proposing this change. The rise reflects a combination of unavoidable cost pressures and important new responsibilities that residents have told us they want the Council to consider taking on.

It is also worth noting that, even with this increase, our Band D precept of £94.44 remains below the Teignbridge average, which was £116.41 in 2025/26.

Every penny is invested back into Moretonhampstead—protecting the services and spaces our community relies on.

Why the Precept Has Increased

1. Protecting Community Assets and Services
The Council is planning ahead for the potential transfer of two important local responsibilities:

• Public Toilets – estimated annual running costs of around £15,000 if the Council takes them on following community consultation.
• Highways Improvements, including Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) to support road safety, budgeted at £5,000.
  Including these projects in the budget allows the Council to understand the full financial picture and ensures we are prepared if residents support these improvements.

2. Rising Costs in Core Services

Several essential running costs have increased, including:

• A 4% staffing increase linked to the national pay award and associated pension and NI contributions.
• A 3% rise in rent and service charges.
• Higher costs for utilities such as phone and broadband, now averaging £60 per month.
• A 10% increase in Open Spaces maintenance, covering everything from grass cutting to hedge management and repairs to benches, play equipment, and other community assets.

These are the day‑to‑day services that keep Moretonhampstead clean, safe, and welcoming.

3. Responsible Financial Management

The increase also reflects:

• The need to maintain appropriate reserves, as recommended for all councils.
• Rising costs for essential requirements such as insurance, professional membership fees, and the statutory website hosting the Parish Council must maintain.
• Adjustments to reflect inflation and the rising cost of contracted services such as:
  • Sentry bin emptying
  • Churchyard maintenance
  • Play park inspections
  • Seasonal planting
  • Verge and hedge cutting

What This Means for You

• Band D charge for 2026/27: £94.44
• Annual increase: £18.89
• Equivalent weekly increase: around 36p per week

Every penny of the increase is allocated to maintaining high‑quality local services, protecting valued community assets, and preparing for future responsibilities that residents have expressed interest in the Council taking on.

Our Commitment
The Council remains committed to:

• Transparent budgeting
• Careful use of public money
• Protecting and enhancing the services that matter to residents
• Consulting the community before taking on any new responsibilities such as the public toilets

Support for Residents
Residents who may struggle with Council Tax payments can find information about reductions and support options on the Teignbridge District Council website:
Council Tax Reduction – Teignbridge District Council

Meet Us at the Annual Parish Meeting
Residents are warmly invited to speak with councillors directly at the Annual Parish Meeting on 4th April, where we will be happy to discuss the precept and any other parish matters.