TRURO City Council has made the decision to increase its council tax precept by 9.3 per cent – the equivalent of approximately 75p per week for a Band D household.

The figure was agreed by a majority vote at the Full Council meeting held on Monday, January 26. The budget for 2026/27 was set at £3,527,562.

City mayor and council chairman Cllr Chris Wells said: “The decision has not been taken lightly, and we hope that making the right decisions now will lead to less pressure to make similar increases in the next few years.”

Town clerk David Rodda said the extra money would be split four ways: general inflation at four per cent; an increase in the Real Living Wage, affecting 18 council employees; investing in devolved older buildings and services, including public toilets; and responding to points arising from the 2025 resident survey, such as clearer communications and more events to bring people into Truro.

For the first time in several years, the council’s large parks and gardens department saw a reduction in funds of around one per cent.

“We had a good discussion about it, and the vote wasn’t unanimous – some councillors asked if we could justify raising the precept higher than inflation, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, which is a very fair point,” said Mr Rodda.

He added: “In supporting the budget, councillors were clear that over the remainder of their term they want to see the council’s operating cost reduce, so I will be working with my team to explore options to deliver on that aspiration.”

Individual councillors took to social media to respond to criticism. Cllr Steven Webb (LibDem, Moresk & Trehaverne) said: “It’s easy to be popular. I could have voted against the increase and been the hero. I would love to set it to zero or even reduce it. Largely, all that would be doing is pushing a bigger increase down the line or bigger cuts – and I would have to choose what to cut.

“Do we close the public toilets? Do we shut the gates at Boscawen Park or Victoria Gardens? Do we close the library? Truro City Council runs a massive amount of the services that make this city livable. I voted for this because I want to keep these facilities open. If you disagree, tell me: to save 75p a week, which specific park or toilet would you close?”

Cllr Rod Pascoe (LibDem, Boscawen & Redannick) added: “I have seen many comments asking about why we aren't fixing potholes first, streetlamps and junctions and saying how we're increasing it to line our own pockets and pensions.

“Unfortunately, people seem to be confusing Truro City Council and Cornwall Council. We have no control over potholes, roadworks, street lights, bin collections or any of the myriad other things that Cornwall Council does.”

But Cllr Armorel Carlyon (Independent, Boscawen & Redannick) made a recorded vote against the rise, proposing a maximum increase of five per cent. “Throughout my years as a councillor, I have always supported those families and individuals who have been trying to better themselves - bring up a family, both working,” she said.

“Just as they put their heads above the parapet, they are pushed down again by increased utility prices, mortgage repayments and council tax increases. This evening we have the opportunity to limit the increase of the burden.”