Over recent years there have been significant changes in local government funding which has culminated in the removal of grant funding for this council, however this is offset to some extent by new housing. It is anticipated that further change will also be seen in the coming years. Every year, each Town and Parish Council sets a precept which is a charge that is determined locally and is added to, and collected along with, Council Tax. This precept money is then used to provide services and amenities within the parish.

Sedgefield Town Council is all too aware of the pressures of the current economic climate and the cost of living. We have made a commitment for 2024/25 to continue to deliver our existing services and programme of community events while also progressing the expansion of Butterwick Road Cemetery, undertaking a significant programme of tree works around the town and protecting areas of village green. There will be increases to Parish Hall hire, cemetery fees and allotment fees but these will be in-line with the current rate of inflation. The pricing structure for hiring the Parish Hall continues to support usage by local groups.

The rise in Sedgefield Town Council’s precept equates to an increase of 6.8% or £13.22 per Band D household per annum.

Financial support schemes operated by Durham County Council for those in financial hardship, or who could qualify for a reduction in Council Tax, can be found at: www.durham.gov.uk/article/26603/Household-Support-Fund-HSF- and www.durham.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction.