Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has launched an online public consultation process for residents to have their say on potential council tax increases.
It comes as Somerset Council faces enormous financial challenges and is asking the Town Council to take over providing some of the services it can no longer afford.
The Town Council has held two drop-in consultation events in Burnham and Highbridge this week, pictured below, which were attended by over 50 residents.
Now, the council has launched an online page for further local feedback before the deadline of December 19th.
A Town Council spokesperson says: “Following the news that Somerset Council are facing enormous financial challenges and are having to make some difficult decisions about services it provides, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has been asked to consider taking over and funding some of the services that Somerset Council will no longer be able to fund.”
“For the Town Council to be able to fund any additional service, it will have to significantly increase its budget and Precept request, which will increase residents Council Tax payments.”
“The Council has held two consultations to understand what residents’ priorities are, so the information can be considered when Councillors make a final decision on what services to help fund/manage.”
“The Town Council is unlikely to be able to cover all the service costs, so the community’s views are vital.”
Readers who have been unable to attend one of the drop-in sessions can still have their say by completing the consultation form on the Town Council’s website here.
Forms should be returned to info@burnham-highbridge-tc.gov.uk or The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-On-Sea, TA8 1LE by Midday on 19th December 2023.
