Swanage Town Council is dedicated to preserving and enhancing our vibrant town. To continue delivering high-quality services and ambitious projects, the Town Council has approved a modest increase in its share of the Council Tax for the upcoming financial year.
Key highlights:
β Prudent budget – supporting vital community services and building funds for the future.
β This adjustment will generate an additional £206,250, bringing the Town Council’s total Council Tax income to £1,085,000, a 23.47% increase.
β The largest share of this increase is due to the introduction of a second homes premium by Dorset Council.
β From 1st April 2025, the annual Band D charge will rise by just £11.71 to £188.86 – that’s only 23 pence more per week.
Why the change? Following the budget meeting on Monday 20th January, Town Mayor, Councillor Tina Foster, explains:
"As I set out in our Annual Report recently, the Council faces some significant challenges, particularly regarding coastal erosion, and land instability.
This modest adjustment to the precept ensures we can build reserves for the future maintenance of services and facilities our community relies on, including public conveniences, play equipment, environmental projects, and the boat park."
Challenges the Town Council is facing
The Green Seafront Scheme – addressing land instability at a cost of at least £4.5 million.
Rising costs including:
π Inflation.
π Increased employers’ costs (including National Insurance).
π Business Rates increases.
π Potential loss of services from Central Government, and Dorset Council.
Building a brighter future for our town
This decision aligns with our Corporate Plan 2023-2025, shaped by your feedback and input, and will help the Town Council to deliver its priorities:
π Good Governance – ensuring transparency and accountability.
π Sustainable Tourism & Local Economy – supporting businesses and promoting Swanage.
π¨π©π§ Health, Safety & Wellbeing – enhancing community spaces and activities.
π‘ Planning for the Future – preserving our heritage for generations to come.
πΏ Environmental Protection – taking action on the climate crisis.
Your contributions at work Annually, the Town Council spends £2.7 million, directly delivering Council services to meet the needs of the town, such as:
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Maintaining Swanage Central Beach to Blue Flag standards.
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Keeping parks, gardens, and public amenities beautiful.
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Providing public toilet facilities.
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Running Swanage Market.
Exciting projects ahead
We have set aside funds for important projects, including:
π‘ The Green Seafront Scheme – stabilising and enhancing our coastline.
π‘ Contributing to coastal defence works in partnership with Dorset Council.
π‘ Swanage Neighbourhood Plan – ensuring that the growth of our town is both sustainable and achieved within a townscape and environment that protects and enhances the special characteristics of the town.
And continued support for community projects, including:
• Improved sports facilities – collaborating with Swanage & Herston Football Club to revitalise Day’s Park.
• Swanage & Purbeck Development Trust’s family hub/Focus Centre initiative.
• East Dorset & Purbeck Citizens Advice – increase in annual grant for 2025/26.
• Greengage Community Garden – grant support for improved facilities.
• Swanage Skatepark Community Project – increased funding for improvements.
• Maintained environmental projects budget – including support for Sustainable Swanage, and Motion for the Ocean.
• Local community groups and charities through the Town Council’s grant funding scheme.
π° How we fund these initiatives
Council Tax contributes approximately one-third of our total income. The remainder comes from parking fees, beach hut rentals, and other service charges. Next year, service fees will increase by approximately 4%, and additional revenue will come from the new seafront concessions.
π Learn more and get involved
Visit our website for detailed budget reports and our Corporate Plan:
β‘ Budget Report
β‘ Corporate Plan
β‘ Annual Report