Town council apologises after tax rises by 74%

A town council where money for local projects was misused has apologised to residents after raising its part of the council tax by a total of 74%.

Cambourne Town Council in Cambridgeshire said "serious issues" were found last year, and funds "must now be replenished and the projects they were intended for delivered".

The authority, which receives no central government funding, said a Band D property would now be paying about £150 extra a year for the town council's precept - its part of the council tax bill.

A statement said: "The council fully recognise this increase comes at a time when many households are under financial pressure, and we do not underestimate the concern this will cause."

Cambourne Town Council, which represents about 4,350 homes, is in the third of local government (below the county and district councils) and can provide community centres, allotments, leisure facilities, bus shelters and grants to help local organisations.

It also receives Section 106 money , which are financial contributions from housing developers which are used for local infrastructure.

However, after a review last year the council said it "accepts that restricted funds, including section 106 monies, were previously used for revenue expenditure when they should not have been".

"We deeply regret these decisions and the consequences they have had for the council and the community," it said.

Earlier this week, councillors agreed to a total precept of £1,493,098 for 2026-27, an increase of £636,061 compared to the previous year. This appears on household Council Tax bills, alongside the amount that goes to the county council and South Cambs District Council.

"The council acknowledges and sincerely apologise for the impact that the 2026–27 precept will have on our residents," said the town council.

It said it had undertaken an "improvement programme" and had committed to improving communication with residents and strengthening governance.

Its plans for next year include carrying out essential health and safety repairs to The Hub community centre and completing the Lower Cambourne playpark refurbishment.

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