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I have recently resigned from the town council and had not attended some of the last Finance working groups.  I have since found out that the council is now seeking a decision at full council to riase the precept for the next financial year by 14.95%.  Am i correct in thinking they can do this without a referendum to the electorate, as its only the Unitary Authority that has to hold a referendum for increases over 5%
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Town and Parish Councils are not subject to any restrictions on precept increases.
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Thankyou Dave, thats what I thought.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-finance-policy-statement-2025-to-2026/local-government-finance-policy-statement-2025-to-2026

Scroll down to the paragraph which starts with - Council tax referendum principles:

  • There are no council tax referendum principles for mayoral combined authorities or town and parish councils.

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