Ramsgate Town Council Sets 2026-2027 Precept with 22p Per Month Increase for Band D Properties

Ramsgate Town Council has agreed its budget and precept for the 2026/2027 financial year, confirming a 3% increase to support the continued delivery of local services and community projects. The decision aligns with the recommendation of the Finance & General Purposes Committee and ensures the Council can meet growing service demands while maintaining financial stability.

Total Precept for 2026/2027
The approved precept for 2026/2027 will be £1,180,659, representing an increase of £53,411 compared with the current year’s precept. This rise reflects inflationary pressures across council services, updates to staffing costs, and commitments to ongoing community initiatives.

Impact on a Band D Property: Less Than 22p per Month
For residents, the increase remains very small in real terms. A Band D household will pay £90.85 per year, up from £88.20 in 2025/2026 — an annual rise of just £2.65. This equates to less than 22p per month, ensuring the Council’s ability to provide valued local services with minimal impact on household budgets.

Why the Increase Is Necessary
The 3% uplift supports:

• Inflation related increases across core budget lines.
• The continued maintenance of community assets and green spaces.
• Grants and support for local groups and events including, for example, The RNLI, Citizens Advice Bureau, Town Centre Security, Ramsgate Carnival, Winter Festival and Dunkirk Little Ships.
• Investment in long term projects, including asset development and improvement works.

The Council has also noted an increase in the tax base, with an additional 209 Band D equivalent properties contributing to the total of £12,995.70, helping to spread costs across a wider number of households.

Council Statement
The Chair, Councillor Albon, emphasised that: "The Council has once again applied its usual prudent approach of underestimating income and overestimating expenditure, ensuring financial resilience while protecting our core functions."

Looking Ahead
The 2026/2027 budget includes support for new community projects, continuity for existing initiatives, and a small surplus allocated to the “New Projects & Asset Acquisition Budget” to support emerging priorities throughout the year.