Overview

• Eleven parish councils raised their council tax precepts by more than 300% in April 2025, with Wharton in Westmorland recording a 1,783% increase.
• Parish and town councils are exempt from the 3% and 5% caps that restrict district and county council tax rises respectively.
• Budget pressures have driven district and county councils to devolve amenities such as public toilets, parks and CCTV maintenance to parish councils.
• Somerset’s £35 million funding shortfall forced Yeovil’s precept up by 90% and Taunton’s by 173% after service responsibilities were transferred.
• The TaxPayers’ Alliance and opposition figures are urging the government to introduce statutory caps or local referendums to curb unexpected parish tax spikes.