Bridgwater residents rally against rising council tax, demanding inquiry and debate due to perceived unfair taxation.
The petition started January 25, 2025. It seeks a public inquiry and a debate in Parliament. It addresses unfair taxes where people may pay multiple times for the same services.
Bridgwater taxpayers face rising costs. The Town Council precept will increase, and Somerset Council tax could rise 7.5 percent.
The organizer, Mr. Bugler, wrote a letter suggesting this inquiry helps everyone. He mentioned ineffective money management, stating taxpayers shouldn’t pay repetitively.
Mr. Bugler stated the core problem: Bridgwater’s council raised taxes 39 percent. He said they used a loophole to exceed the tax cap of 5 percent.
Somerset Council has money issues, and the Bridgwater council decided to raise taxes. Mr. Bugler said the petition isn’t political; it holds local government responsible. He added that tax hikes cause frustration, and people desire meaningful oversight.