Ilkley Town Council has announces its 2025-2026 Budget, which it says has a focus on supporting community services, amid financial challenges.
The Town Council has approved its budget for the 2025-2026 financial year, which will see an increase of 3.3% for a Band D property. This decision comes as the Council takes proactive measures to safeguard essential services and community assets in response to growing financial pressures.
On Monday 6th January 2025 Ilkley Town Council discussed and agreed its budget for the council year 2025/26. The precept was agreed as £417,101, resulting in an annual precept payment for a Band D household of £56.97 in the year ahead. This represents an annual rise of £1.82 (3.3%) per Band D household from the previous figure of £55.12. In 2024-25, according to official government data, the average Band D precept in England was £85.89.
The 2025/26 budget includes increased earmarked reserves for the much-needed refurbishment of the public toilets in the South Hawksworth Street car park. In the community consultation, carried out in summer 2024, 87.4% of respondents were in favour of refurbishment. These facilities are vital for residents and visitors alike, and the Council is committed to ensuring they are maintained to a high standard.
The Council has also established a community reserve fund of £40,000. This reserve is designed to provide the Town Council with the financial flexibility to step in and support local services or assets that may be at risk due to the financial difficulties currently being experienced by Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Commenting on the budget, Town Mayor, Councillor Damian Kearns said:
"This budget reflects our commitment to protecting essential community services and assets during challenging financial times. While we understand that any increase in Council Tax is a concern for residents, we believe these measures are necessary to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our town's facilities."
The Town Council remains dedicated to transparency and accountability and will continue to keep residents informed about how public funds are being utilised to benefit the community.
A copy of the budget is available on the Town Council website.