Precept Increase Confirmed

On Thursday 22 January 2026 Congleton Town Council agreed at its council meeting to increase the Town Council Precept by 17.8% for the 2026/27 financial year. This increase is aimed at ensuring the continuation of valued local services, maintaining the quality of life for residents, and addressing rising costs that are largely beyond the Council’s control, including the devolution of services from Cheshire East Council (CEC), labour and utilities.

For a typical Band D property, the Precept increase equates to £20.92 per year, bringing the total to £138.33 per household annually. This represents an increase of approximately 40 pence per week. Rebates of up to 100% are available to the most vulnerable residents, ensuring fairness and support for those in need. This decision also responds to the ongoing financial pressures on CEC, which has had restriction on increasing council tax in line with inflation and significant increases in funding adult social care, unfortunately this impacts on basic maintenance services in and around towns. 

Over the six-year period from April 2019 to April 2025, the town council’s Precept for Band D properties increased from £86.21 to £117.41, a 36.2% rise, which is 8.4% below the increase in the Retail Price Index during the same period. Despite taking on additional responsibilities such as the Information Centre, Streetscape service, and maintaining the Paddling Pool, Congleton’s Precept remains lower than many other towns in Cheshire East.

The town council will look to provide distinctive services that enhance the local community, including taking on the responsibility for public toilets from CEC, highway weeding, grass cutting, and the ongoing operation of the Paddling Pool. Recent short surveys indicate that many residents strongly support the town council’s role in maintaining these services.

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Robert Brittain, said: "This Precept increase is about safeguarding the services our residents value most and ensuring that Congleton remains a thriving, independent town. While no one welcomes an increase, the cost to the average Band D household is just £20.92 per year — around 40 pence per week. It is a small contribution for the significant benefit of keeping our town clean, vibrant, and well-serviced."

Congleton Town Council today is significantly different from over 20 years ago. Major structural changes include:

• The creation of Cheshire East Council in 2008/09.
• Acquisition of Congleton Town Hall from CEC for £1, with substantial investment required to repair years of neglect.
• Expansion of local services, including the Streetscape operation in 2014, taking over of the Information Centre, and responsibility for the Street Sweeping service in and around the town centre.

This Precept increase is a measured step to ensure that Congleton continues to thrive as an independent, well-serviced, and vibrant community, preserving local control and the quality of life for its residents, businesses and visitors.