PRECEPT

Understanding the Precept Increase for Colne Town Council 

The precept from local taxpayers funds 82.5% of Colne Town Council’s income. To reduce the burden on residents, we actively generate additional income through community and commercial activities, including weddings, room and party bookings, equipment hire, and Blues Festival ticket sales and merchandise.

Over the last 5 years, income from these sources has grown by 339% – from £78,716 in 2021/22 to £266,872 in 2025/26.

For 2026/27, the precept will increase by 14%, which equates to £31.53 per year for a Band D household (around 61p per week). This ensures we can continue delivering essential services, meet rising costs like inflation, business rates, and grounds maintenance, and invest in key projects such as energy-efficient improvements to the Town Hall and maintenance of Alkincoates Park.

We’ve also included a contingency fund to manage potential future responsibilities, such as the transfer of assets and services from Pendle Borough Council, helping to safeguard Colne’s assets and services for the long term.

Below are details of expenditure for the financial years 2025/26-2026/27.