Penrith residents look set to pay more towards the Town Council next year, as councillors prepare to sign off a £526,749 council tax precept demand for 2026/27 — a rise of 1% on last year.

The Town Council’s finance committee will meet on Monday evening to finalise its budget recommendations ahead of a crunch full council meeting on 15th December, where members are expected to rubber-stamp the increase. The charge will be added to household council tax bills alongside contributions to Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Police and Cumbria Fire & Rescue.

Despite the higher precept, overall spending by the Town Council is set to fall. The 2026/27 budget shows planned expenditure of £624,575 — £40,029 less than last year. The precept demand itself, however, jumps by £12,009, rising from £514,740 in 2025/26 to £526,749.

A boost in Penrith’s tax base due to an increase in the number of properties in the parish area and properties paying 200% council tax as second homes, has helped the town council soften the blow this year with only a 1% increase. Figures from Westmorland and Furness Council show the number of Band D equivalent properties has increased by 1.32%, from 6,133 to 6,214.60. This means a typical Band D household will pay £84.76 towards the Town Council next year.

The biggest slice of the budget once again goes on staffing, with wage costs set to hit £366,435 and projected to climb further to £372,260 by 2030.

Penrith residents can also expect more civic pageantry — at a price. A £20,000 pot is earmarked for “town dressing” and event support across 2026–2028, with a separate £20,000 allocation for next year’s Penrith Mayday celebrations.

Meanwhile, technology could soon play a larger role in council operations. Town Cllr D. Jayson has tabled a growth bid to explore how artificial intelligence might streamline council business. A £1,000 pilot project is proposed, to be funded from the IT budget, which itself is set to swell to £28,000.

If approved on 15th December, the new charges will form part of Penrith households’ council tax bills issued in spring. Whether residents will cheer the council’s thrift or groan at another rise remains to be seen