Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council sets 2026/27 precept following detailed financial review.

 The Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council has agreed its precept for 2026/27 following a comprehensive review of its finances to ensure the organisation remains stable, sustainable and able to deliver services for the community.

Members undertook a further  review of the Council’s accounts, reserves and draft budget to assess longer-term financial resilience. This review identified that the initial budget estimates considered in January would not have provided sufficient funding for the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities and ongoing service commitments in the coming financial year.

The review also confirmed that, in recent years, reserves have been used to subsidise the precept and support day-to-day expenditure. While this approach kept the precept lower for residents, it reduced the Council’s financial resilience and is not sustainable in the longer term.

At a Special Meeting on 9 February 2026, Members agreed to set the 2026/27 precept at £141.18 for a Band D property.

The Council has frozen its precept for a number of years despite sustained increases in inflation, and in 2016/17, 2018/19 and 2021/22 the precept was reduced. Although this year’s adjustment is significant, it reflects a correction following a prolonged period of below-inflation increases. Had the precept risen in line with the Consumer Price Index over that period, it would now be at a comparable or even higher level.

For a Band D household, the revised precept equates to approximately £3.50 per month

The agreed budget will:

• Ensure the Council can meet its statutory duties

• Protect core local services

• Rebuild appropriate reserves in line with recognised best practice

• Strengthen long-term financial stability

Cllr Johnston said:

“We recognise that any increase is unwelcome, particularly at a time when households are facing wider cost pressures. However, Members have a responsibility to ensure the Council remains financially sound and able to continue delivering services for our community. This decision provides stability now and avoids greater financial pressure in future years.”

A summary of the budget and supporting information will be published to ensure residents have clear and accessible detail about the decision.