About Your Council Tax Precept

Town council precepts
The town council is funded by part of the Council Tax known as a precept as well as by the income it generates.

How the precept is calculated
For more details on how the precept is calculated visit Braintree District Council’s website.

​

On Monday 12th January, Witham Town Council approved the town's share of the council tax for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The decision, supported by all parties, will see a modest increase of 12p per week for band D properties, bringing the total cost to £2.26 per week for all services provided by the Town Council.

The precept will fund essential services and community initiatives, including:

• Maintenance of the Town Hall, which houses vital services such as the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic and a Community Banking Hub.

• Operation of the Information Centre, providing assistance to residents

• Management of allotments

• Upkeep of Whetmead Nature Reserve, James Cooke Wood, the Closed Churchyard, and the River Walk

• Witham's floral displays and Christmas light decorations

• Expanded free community events calendar, including the new Summer Fayre, Street Entertainment Festival and both Easter and Halloween events

• Continued support for community safety initiatives, including CCTV cameras, Witham Special Constabulary and the Street Warden program

• Town Park toilets (the rest of the park is owned and managed by Braintree District Council)

• Some 60+ streetlights that the Council own and operate

• Grants to organisations such as Citizens Advice and The Witham Carnival

The Council is particularly focused on supporting vulnerable residents and those less able to afford activities, reflected in the increased number of free events planned for the coming year.