RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL PRECEPT 2024/2025

RADSTOCK TOWN COUNCIL PRECEPT 2024/2025

The Precept is a levy raised by the Town Council to fund expenditure for the year, as part of our plan to make Radstock a great place to live, work and shop.

The precept supports the running of the Community Hub and Library; grants to local community groups and activities, such as the Christmas lights and youth services; and maintenance of our play and outside facilities at Tom Huyton Park, Haydon Batch, Haydon Allotments, Memorial Gardens, and Southfield Recreation Ground.

This year’s plans include the development of a new community building and relocation of the Community Hub and Library, together with continued delivery of the Radstock Regeneration Action Plan including delivery of Radstock’s Cultural programme and the development and maintenance of green spaces.

The 2024 – 2025 budget had to address several challenges; a major one being rising energy costs which were previously fixed for three years and have now almost doubled. Current inflation rates have affected the council’s operating costs, but the council remains committed to seeking support and funding to provide more for our residents whilst still ensuring value.

Successful efforts to identify additional external funding through grants and support has allowed us to support current and future projects. The Town Council thanks Somer Valley Rediscovered, Bath and NE Somerset Council, the West of England Combined Authority and Radstock In Bloom among others for past and future support.

The 9.31% increase to the precept equates to an annual charge to residents of £174.91 for a Band D equivalent property.

Below, is a breakdown of the income and expenditure for 2024 – 2025. You will notice there is a difference of £89,500; this represents the use of earmarked reserves for current projects enabling us to keep the precept increase as low as possible. This includes £9,500 for Christmas Lights, £70,000 allocated towards Trinity Methodist Church and £10,000 towards the salary of our cultural officer, who has delivered many exciting events in the past year.

Tom Huyton Play Area upgrades

In 2023-2024, Tom Huyton Park received a much anticipated and needed refurbishment which included the replacement of the zip wire and multi-play unit and, in keeping with the town’s heritage, a new bespoke train station with carriages and a ticket office.

This completed the second phase of works planned for Tom Huyton,with further phases under development for future years. With the support of Bath and NE Somerset Council, we were also able to make further improvements to the whole area including groundworks to ensure pathways were safe, fencing, car parking layout, a base for the active transport hub and the introduction of a modern Changing Places toilet.

Radstock Town Centre Regeneration

The Town Council has been working in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council to develop a plan for the regeneration of Radstock Town Centre, with elements being taken forward over the last twelve months and the coming year.

Funding support has enabled the creation of a Radstock Cultural Programme including staffing to co-ordinate and deliver events for the town.

For further information and to view the plan, follow the link: beta.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default/files/ Radstock regeneration Action Plan.pdf.

Green Spaces

Work continues to deliver the Haydon Batch Master Plan, which saw much needed maintenance of the site including scrub clearance to ensure the species rich grassland is retained.

Bee Bold

Work on the Southfield Community Garden has continued over the last year with the Council working closely with Radstock In Bloom to deliver the project.

Hard landscaping has been completed and an outdoor classroom installed. Volunteers have worked hard to install compost bins, create ‘dead hedges’, landscape, planting and much more. Interpretation boards have been created and community involvement has included visits from 1st Radstock Beavers who have enjoyed building a bug house, dead hedge and planting spring bulbs. Over the coming months, the Town Council looks forward to welcoming numerous community groups as regular users of the Community Garden.

Staffing - Team Expansion

The council’s vision has always focused on delivering for our residents and community. To achieve this, the council has reviewed its staffing structure and has now made provision for an in-house Grounds team dedicated to improving the management of our green and open spaces, and a grant funded role for a cultural coordinator to deliver a programme of cultural events. The Town Council welcomes Sean, Rowan and Eunice to the team.

Trinity methodist Church

The feasibility study for the future use of Trinity Methodist Church as a community centre at the heart of the town has continued and we are progressing our plans to acquire the building.

Neighbourhood Development Plan

Work has continued to progress the Neighbourhood Development Plan supported by a dedicated working group. Residents took part in a public consultation devised by the group with results that will help shape the plan.