To support transparency and help residents understand how the Town Council operates, we have published our Strategic Plan & Budget for 2026/27 in the latest Ottery Gazette. This document brings together our priorities for the years ahead, an overview of the work we carried out in 2025, and a detailed breakdown of how public money is used to support the community.
What the document covers
The publication includes:
1. Our Strategic Vision
A five‑year plan setting out how the Council aims to build a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous town. It explains the key challenges facing Ottery St Mary and how we intend to respond—through community wellbeing initiatives, support for local businesses, environmental action, and investment in town assets and infrastructure.
2. Highlights from 2025
Residents can see what the Council delivered over the past year, including:
- Improvements to the Station Community Hub
- Youth support through SPACE and Action East Devon
- New EV charging points
- Progress on the PlayZone/MUGA and town wayfinding signage
- Support for local groups, events and volunteering networks
- Environmental and community safety work
These updates show how funding is being used to improve local services and facilities.
3. How the Council Is Funded
The document sets out how the Council tax precept works, how much of the annual bill comes to the Town Council, and how these funds are allocated. It also compares Ottery’s Band D charge with nearby towns, helping residents understand local costs in context.
4. Detailed Budget for 2026/27
For those interested in the specifics, the booklet includes:
- Income and expenditure forecasts
- Breakdown of staff, service and project costs
- Current reserves and earmarked funds
- Investments in regeneration, youth services, community grants, and facilities
- Planned capital projects such as wayfinding and the MUGA
This level of detail ensures residents can see exactly how money is being managed and where investment is planned.
5. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The document also explains the Government’s proposed changes to council structures and how these may affect local services, assets and responsibilities. As many details are not yet known, the booklet outlines the potential impact and why this uncertainty affects financial planning.
Why we are sharing this
The Council is committed to being open and accountable. Publishing this information helps residents understand:
- What we do
- How decisions are made
- How public money is spent
- What improvements are planned for the town and wider parish
- How to get involved in shaping local priorities
This transparency is an essential part of being a modern, responsive Town Council that reflects the needs and views of the community.