Dawlish Town Council Approves Budget and Precept for 2025/26

The approved precept demand for the year is £643,438, representing a 2.83% increase from the previous financial year. This increase equates to an additional £2.97 per year for a Band D household, bringing the total annual contribution to £107.92.

At its Full Council meeting on 22 January 2025, Dawlish Town Council approved its budget for the 2025/26 financial year, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting the local community, investing in infrastructure, and delivering essential services. The approved precept demand for the year is £643,438, representing a 2.83% increase from the previous financial year.

This increase equates to an additional £2.97 per year for a Band D household, bringing the total annual contribution to £107.92. This modest rise ensures that the Council can continue to meet its service obligations, implement key projects, and respond effectively to local needs while maintaining financial prudence.

Key Budget Highlights for 2025/26:

Community Support and Wellbeing:

• Increased funding for community grants to support local organisations and start-ups.
• Enhanced collaboration through the “Helping Dawlish” initiative, providing assistance to vulnerable residents during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Environmental Sustainability:

• Investment in reducing the Council’s carbon footprint, including plans to install solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage at the Manor House, subject to permissions.
• Continued efforts to implement the Climate Emergency Plan, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvements:

• Major renovations to key community assets, including the Manor House, Riverside Centre, and Waterfowl Compound, ensuring they remain accessible and fit for purpose.
• Restoration of the Brook decorative lights and CCTV infrastructure, severely damaged during the September 2023 flash floods, funded primarily through insurance settlement and reserves.

Youth and Recreational Facilities:

• Redevelopment and potential expansion of the Sandy Lane Skate Park, designed to provide a long-lasting and safe recreational space for young people.
• Investment in maintaining and enhancing other recreational areas and community assets.

Economic Growth and Regeneration:

• Implementation of projects identified in the Parish’s Tourism and Regeneration Strategies, aimed at increasing footfall and supporting local businesses.
• A continued programme of quality events to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

Financial Prudence:

• Careful management of reserves, with free reserves covering approximately 7-8 months of operating costs, in line with audit recommendations.
• A cautious approach to income projections and efforts to secure grant funding to supplement the budget.

Impact on Residents:

The Council’s approved precept translates to a small monthly increase of £0.25, or £2.97 per year for a Band D household. The total contribution of £107.92 per year supports services, community projects, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring Dawlish remains a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and visit.

Statement from the Mayor of Dawlish

Councillor Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Mayor of Dawlish said:

“The 2025/26 budget represents our ongoing dedication to supporting the residents of Dawlish and enhancing the quality of life in our parish. By balancing prudent financial management with targeted investment in key areas, we are ensuring that the Council can meet current challenges while building a sustainable future for our community.”

For more information on the approved budget, or to learn about the Council’s ongoing initiatives, visit www.dawlish.gov.uk or contact the Council Office at 01626 863388.