Taxes are set to rise for Congleton residents.

Congleton Town Council has approved the budget and precept for 2025-26.

Due to operational cost increases and new budget requirements, the precept will rise by 11.3 per cent, adding up to £11.92 annually for band D properties.

This takes the total annual contribution to the town council to £117.41, up from £105.49 in 2024-25.

The council's chief officer, David McGifford, said: "Certain amounts that required additional budgets were out of the town council's control.

"The increase in Employers National Insurance following the changes announced in the Chancellor's Budget equates to approximately £26,500.

"In addition to the National Insurance contributions the town council will now be expected to pay £5,500 in respect of the town and parish share of the cost of the 'All Out' Elections in 2027. (This will be an on-going annual budget requirement going forward, Town and Parish Councils have not had to contribute to the main Elections previously, the only requirement was to contribute to By-Elections.) The combined total equates to 2.5 per cent of the overall increase.

"On top of the Employers National Insurance increase, salaries have increased by 3.4 per cent, this increase is decided by the National Joint Council Salaries and apply nationally."

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The initial draft budget was presented to the Finance and Policy Committee on January 14 where the draft annual increase was £17.74.

However, following discussions this reduced to the now approved £11.92.

During these discussions it was also agreed to use up to £128,000 of reserves to cover some purchases and projects.

Mr McGifford added: "Going into 2025-2026 the town council will be holding a General Reserve slightly lower than required in its policy. 

"The council decided against rebuilding these reserves, as this would have resulted in an additional increase above the approved 11.3 per cent."