Leigh’s 11.53% Precept Rise

LEIGH Town Council’s has agreed to raise its council tax precept by over 11 per cent this coming financial year to fund essential repairs at the Community Centre.
The precept for 2026/7 was decided at a full council meeting in January, with councillors voting to approve to approve the increase of 11.53%, taking the precept total to £543,431.22.
This equates to £59.39 a year; an increase of £6.14 per annum for Band D households.
Leigh Town Council have confirmed that, whilst they “take very seriously” that fact that households within their boundary pay an additional Council tax, they added that this is “the only amount that is fully spent on Leigh for, which the Town Council has full control.”
Following a professional building survey, it was found that, along with much needed repairs and maintenance, replacing the Community Centre boiler was an urgent priority, prompting the need for the increase.
A statement from Leigh Town Council explained: “The Council had a long meeting looking at and considering how it can fund the works which were highlighted in the report.
“Thinking about how to ease the process and appreciating that works can be undertaken over a period of years rather than all in one go.
“However, there are a few concerns that need a far prompter response, such as replacing the boiler.
“Therefore, the Council took the decision to raise the precept this year to help with the cost.”
This replacement comes alongside a need for what was described as “much needed and long-awaited TLC” at the Community Centre, which it agreed could be more staggered.
Leigh Town councillor Peter Wexham, who voted against the rise, said: “I agree something has to be done about the building, but it could have been spread out over a number of years.”
He added: “Southend Council kept their rise to just under 5 per cent, which is what the government have recommended.
“Leigh’s precept rise is not a huge amount, but it just adds to the whole bill, which is going up for a lot of people.
“When people get their bill, they look at the total amount, and see that everything is going up.”
In the statement issued by Leigh Town Councill, the spokesperson stressed the importance of investing in the Community Centre’s structure: “Making it the best it can be for all our users is extremely important. It is a focal point and in some cases a lifeline for getting out and meeting others,” they said.
Councillors also highlighted the vital service they offer to Leigh residents, including the “fantastic Christmas Lights switch on” as well as the supporting Leigh communities including: children’s holiday activities, over 60s lunch clubs, planning and licensing applications, and managing Bell Wharf, Strand Wharf and allotment sites.
A Town Council precept is the portion of Council Tax collected by a district or borough council on behalf of a town or parish council, to fund local services and projects.
Town Council precepts change annually, with the new rate set by councillors between December and February to take effect on 1 April, the start of the new financial year.
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