Hailsham Town Council Sets Precept for the Next Financial Year

The Town Council adopted the recommendation put forward by the Finance & Governance Committee for the next financial year (April 2026 to March 2027) and agreed a budget of £1,747,698, with a precept amount of £1,747,698 being requisitioned from Wealden District Council.

This means that council tax for a Band D property in Hailsham will be £4.20 per week, representing just a 14p per week increase on the previous year.

In making the recommendations for the budget, the Town Council aims to provide continuing security for essential services for residents and visitors alike with value for money improvements where possible.

“The Town Council has unanimously agreed a minimal increase in its share of the council tax for the next financial year,” said Cllr Colin Mitchell, Chair of the Finance & Governance Committee. “A 14p per week increase I believe represents value for money when you consider all the things that we do, as well as increased running, administrative, contract and other costs.”

“The Town Council delivers value for money, and the budget set for the next year enables us to continue to do that and goes some way towards making a significant difference for the residents of Hailsham.”

Some key changes which have affected the Town Council and justified an increase in its share of council tax include increased utility costs at all Council-maintained sites and an increase in contractor service fees, as well as recent price increases relating to IT and computing costs, the expansion of Hailsham Youth Service, additional staff recruitment and other new or increased costs expected.

Additionally, the budget has been prepared on a committee-by-committee basis, so that there is more direct contact with the financial effect of committee decisions – and the budget is projected forward four years so that the future impact of present financial decisions can be forecast.

Other financially prudent requirements such as the level of General Reserves, and Treasury management have also been addressed.

Cllr Mitchell added: “Our focus for the next year will be to continue to ensure all services are run as efficiently as possible, including the running of the High Street Post Office and Banking Hub, community halls, cemetery, play areas and the continued expansion of Hailsham Youth Service, as well as funding for urban grass cuts, maintenance and improvements to public open spaces, Town Council-maintained footpaths and more. We are also investing in a planned programme of maintenance for all our building assets, reducing the dependence on CIL and reactive and expensive repair options.”

Council taxpayers should be aware that only a small percentage of the council tax demand goes to Hailsham Town Council which, given the range of services the Town Council provides, represents good value for money to residents. The remaining percentage goes to Wealden District Council, East Sussex County Council, the Police Authority and the Fire Service for the services they provide.

Locally, the Town Council is committed to supporting community-based initiatives and voluntary organisations where they represent value for money and display good financial governance, and throughout the next 12 months will continue to work hard and drive forward initiatives to promote the town as a key location to live, work and visit, helping to boost the local economy.

If you require any further information on the Town Council budget for 2026-2027, please call 01323 841702 or send an email to enquiries@@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.