Update on Portishead Town Council Finances and Local Devolution of Assets and Services

Portishead Town Council (PTC) is sharing an update on its current finances and plans to take on the management of key local assets and services from North Somerset Council as part of local devolution. This update explains why devolution is being considered, what assets may transfer, and the potential financial impact for residents.

Portishead Town Council (PTC) Budget

• The PTC budget for the current year is £1.57 million.
  
• Our spending is expected to come in slightly under budget.
  
• This includes £400,000 for refurbishing our three community halls (the Folk Hall, North Weston and Redcliffe Bay) to meet health, safety, and other requirements. This project is also expected to come in under budget.

Why Devolution Matters

• North Somerset Council (NSC) faces serious financial pressures. Over 60% of its budget is now spent on Adult and Children's Social Care, while government funding continues to fall in real terms.
  
• As a result, NSC can no longer maintain local assets such as parks and play areas across the district.
  
• Last summer, we asked Portishead residents if they wanted PTC to take on some local assets and services. A large majority said yes.
  
• Assets like the Lake Grounds are highly valued and part of what makes Portishead special. PTC believes it is our public duty to protect, maintain, and enhance these assets for the community.
  
• By taking local control and working with residents, we believe we can deliver better services and cost-effective improvements over time.

Key Facts About Local Devolution

• Transfers of assets and services are planned to start from April 2026.
  
• All assets will be transferred at zero cost to PTC.
  
• PTC will be responsible for operating costs, liabilities, and income for each asset.
  
• NSC will provide S106 funds to help with maintenance, expected to be around £600,000.
  
• Likely assets to transfer include:
  
  • Lake Grounds area
  • East Wood
  • 14 Play Areas
  • Parks maintenance
  • Grounds maintenance, litter, and dog bin services
  • Somerset Hall
  • Public toilets
  • Allotments

• There will be No car parking charges under PTC management.
• Plans for lake clean-up and a new café.
• Other improvements under consideration.
• Discussions and negotiations with NSC are still ongoing.
• PTC is preparing the structures and resources to manage these services successfully, building on current work (e.g., PTC already maintains five play areas).

Financial Impacts for Residents

• PTC will aim to use grants, third-party investment, and possibly public loans to fund future improvements.
• Council Tax (Precept) will need to rise to support these new responsibilities.
• Having reviewed financial data, PTC is proposing a Band D precept for 2026-27: £225.50 per year.
  • This is an increase of £1.60 per week, or £83.43 per year per Band D property.
• Band A, B, and C properties will pay significantly less. Exemptions remain for qualifying residents.
• The increase, along with PTC financial reserves put aside for this purpose, will provide around £1 million for maintaining and improving local assets and services.
• The Precept is the only tax spent solely on services within Portishead.
• Portishead Special Expenses will be removed from your Council Tax bill, saving a small amount - £3.21 per Band D household per year.

Next Steps

• Full details will be discussed at the Portishead Town Council Meeting on 21 January 2026 at 7.30 PM at the Folk Hall.
• The Precept proposal will be debated and agreed, and financial details will be published shortly after the meeting.

Portishead Town Council encourages residents to attend the meeting or follow updates to better understand the proposals and how decisions about local services and funding will be made. The Council remains committed to transparency, local decision-making, and protecting the community assets that matter most to Portishead.