COUNCIL tax is rising for households in the Bridgwater area – by more than 39%.

Bridgwater Town Council (BTC) has agreed its 2025/26 Budget, which includes plans to increase its share of council tax by 39.18% for the more than 17,500 households in the area.

The changes equate to properties in Band D seeing an increase of £2.23 per week for town council services. Band C properties will pay £1.98 more each week. Band A properties, which account for more than 8,900 households, will pay £1.48 more each week in council tax for BTC.

BTC’s Labour-led administration said the increases were a “difficult decision”, but that those in Bands A to C were “modest” and designed to “ensure affordability”.

However, the proposals were slammed by Conservative councillors, who said the council had “ignored the struggles of hard-working families, pensioners, and residents on low incomes”.

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But the Budget proposals pointed to changes in services run by BTC, which has included the authority taking over running certain departments from cash-strapped Somerset Council.

“This ensured essential services continued without disruption, reaffirming the council’s dedication to supporting its residents during challenging times,” a BTC spokesperson said.

They said the approved Budget would enable Bridgwater Town Council to:

• Enhance Local Amenities: Increase grass-cutting frequency, improve residential street cleaning, and upgrade recreational spaces.
• Engage Young People: Expand detached youth work programs to reduce antisocial behaviour and support young residents.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Commit to upgrades such as pathway repairs, improved lighting, and the enhancement of recreational facilities, including Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), promoting accessibility and enriching daily life.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans, Bridgwater mayor Mick Lerry and others mark the devolution deal. Picture: Somerset Council

While maintaining current services, they said the Budget would also allow the council to:

• Expand youth engagement programs to promote positive opportunities for young people.
• Introduce new initiatives such as the Play Day event, aimed at fostering community engagement and recreation.
• Enhance residential street cleaning to ensure cleaner neighbourhoods.
• Continue support for events and initiatives that bring residents together.
• Continue funding for 60 CCTV cameras across Bridgwater to ensure a safer environment.
• Provide regular maintenance and safety checks to keep parks clean, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

Cllr Brian Smedley, leader of Bridgwater Town Council, said: “In Bridgwater, we provide more services and own more assets than any other town or parish council.

“We are committed to preserving jobs, maintaining services, and protecting the assets that our community relies on.

“With nearly 9,000 dwellings in Band A and just 800 in Band D, our town has unique needs compared to other towns in Somerset.

“Despite the challenges posed by the formation of (a) unitary council for Somerset, the town council is dedicated to continuing its work for the benefit of our residents.

“We are asking the majority of Bridgwater residents – those in Band A – to contribute just £1.48 more per week, and those in Band D, £2.23 more.

“This small increase ensures that our parks and gardens remain open, our streets stay clean, and our community buildings remain active.

“Your town council is here, working from your Town Hall, to deliver these essential services.”

Cllr Diogo Rodrigues, interim Conservative group leader at BTC, said: “Labour councillors have ignored the struggles of hardworking families, pensioners, and residents on low incomes.

“They’ve pushed through one of the highest Council Tax rates in the country without listening to the people of Bridgwater.”

The news comes after Taunton Town Council recently approved a rise of 8.77% for households for its share of council tax.

Increases in the BTC share of council tax for households:

Band A: £1.48 per week
Band B: £1.73 per week
Band C: £1.98 per week
Band D: £2.23 per week