Truro Residents to See Council Tax Rise – What’s Behind the Increase?

Budget Set for 2025/2026

Truro City Council has agreed its budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting a total of £3,197,665 following a majority vote at Full Council on 27th January 2025. The decision means a 4.69% increase in the precept, translating to an additional £0.37 per week for a Band D household.

Council leaders say the rise is below what is needed to keep pace with inflation and rising National Insurance contributions, with the latter alone accounting for 1.6% of the required increase.

Balancing Costs While Keeping the Increase Down

Mayor of Truro, Carol Swain, highlighted that the council had pledged not to repeat last year’s significant increase. She stated:

“Having been necessary to increase the precept significantly last year, Truro City Council made a firm commitment that this would not be repeated for 2025/26. Therefore, I am pleased that by absorbing several cost increases within our existing budgets and rigorous financial management, the precept increase is lower than the 5.6% we estimated it would be at this point last year. I am also confident that it will enable Truro City Council to continue to deliver its valued services.”

Town Clerk David Rodda, who took up the post after last year’s budget was set, has spent the last 10 months working to minimise the increase while maintaining council services.

“The increase of 4.69% is below the level necessary to keep pace with inflationary cost pressures but I am confident that it is sufficient to enable Council to provide the services that are valued by the residents of Truro,” David said.

How the Council is Funded

The majority of Truro City Council’s funding comes from the annual precept, collected as part of council tax bills. The council also raises income through grants, project funding and fees for hiring spaces like playing fields, Lemon Quay, meeting rooms, event spaces and tennis courts.

While Truro City Council has now set its precept, Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have not yet announced their own council tax decisions.

What Services Does Truro City Council Provide?

Truro City Council is responsible for a range of services and amenities, including:

• Parks & gardens, play areas and open spaces
• The Community Library and Visitor Information Centre
• Sports facilities and events
• Public conveniences
• Café and allotments
• Cemetery maintenance
• Part-funding of the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer

The council also owns and leases several properties within Truro, including:

• Lemon Quay
• The Municipal Building and Clock Tower
• Hendra Hall
• Coosebean
• The Community Library Building
• The Moresk Centre
• Zebs
• Idless Plant Nursery

What’s Ahead for 2025/2026?

Truro City Council has outlined several major projects for the year ahead.

New Life for City Buildings

Aiming to revitalise 25,000 m² of empty space in Truro’s city centre, this scheme will repurpose vacant properties, protect community assets and improve energy efficiency. It is expected to support business start-ups, encourage growth, and enhance diversity in the city.

Boscawen Park Sports Hub

Funded by Truro Town Deal and led by the City Council, this project will deliver a multi-use building featuring new changing rooms, flexible indoor spaces, and facilities for sports, conferences, events, and workshops.

Additionally, over the next 12 months, the council will focus on restoring financial reserves to recommended levels by March 2027.

How to Stay Updated

For residents interested in reviewing the full budget report and meeting agenda, more details are available on the Truro City Council website.

With rising costs and pressure on public services, Truro residents now face a council tax increase— but will it be enough to maintain services while keeping up with inflation?