In December's edition:
At its meeting of Full Council on Monday 15 December 2025, Penrith Town Council agreed its budget for 2026/27 which includes a total expenditure of £624,575 requiring a precept of £526,749.
The precept forms part of the annual Council Tax bill and is the amount of money required to fund Penrith Town Council’s 2026/27 budget.
The budget sees a 1% increase in the Penrith Town Council’s portion of the Penrith households Council Tax bill. This means that the typical household in Penrith with a property valued in Band D, will increase by 84 pence to £84.76 per property this year. This equates to a household paying £1.63 per week.
Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith said:
“The budget process is always a careful balance between delivering meaningful improvements for Penrith and avoiding unnecessary pressure on local taxpayers.
“The Council’s 2026/27 budget reflects our ambitions to drive positive change in the town, deliver an exciting new era for Council-led town centre events, and prepare for the potential transfer of assets from Westmorland & Furness Council. With a dedicated £200,000 Asset reserve, we will be able to enhance any assets transferred for the benefit of Penrith’s residents.
“I am also delighted to see a £50,000 allocation from the Council’s General Reserve towards a potential Pump Track project in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council, underlining our commitment to delivering this important project for Penrith’s young people.
“To deliver this ambitious budget, a 1% increase for 2026/27 has been agreed which brings the Band D charge to £84.76 per property, representing a £1.67 rise since 2021/22 - an increase of 2% over five years.”
“I look forward to working with councillors and officers to deliver the ambitions set out in this budget and continue improving life for residents.”
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Charlie Shepherd, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Finance Committee said:
“As Chair of the Finance Committee, I am pleased to present this budget, developed in close collaboration with my councillor and officer colleagues and now approved by Council.
“The Council has maintained a fully costed budget that delivers on its Business Plan while continuing to use its General Reserve to reduce the precept requirement. With positive financial reserves and a clear policy to reach a General Reserve of 30% of next year’s expenditure by March 2027, this budget demonstrates the Council’s commitment to both delivering projects and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.”
For more information about the Penrith Town Council proposed budget for 2026/27, please visit the Penrith Town Council website:
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 Image Description: Cllr Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Penrith Mayor at the Cornmarket Bandstand
It feels as though Christmas comes around quicker every year – it’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since my predecessor, Cllr Doug Lawson, wrote his Christmas message as Mayor of Penrith!
Now it is my turn, and I want to begin by saying what an honour and privilege it is to be not only Mayor of our wonderful town, but the town’s first female Mayor which makes the role an especial privilege for me.
Christmas is a time of celebration, but inevitably, as the nights draw in, we have time to pause and reflect on the year that has almost passed.
Personally, it has been an especially busy year, and I have done my best to accept every invitation that has come my way - taking the position of Mayor, and the work of the Town Council into many different parts of our community. Since being elected Mayor by my fellow councillors in May 2025, I have spent my first six months in office visiting the Council’s grant recipients, attending civic functions, and meeting the many organisations and volunteers who make Penrith such a vibrant and caring place.
These visits have included spending time with Penrith Cricket Club, meeting England Netball at the Leisure Centre, attending a Penrith AFC match, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Christians Against Poverty debt management project, learning about the Inner Wheel’s campaign on ending violence against women, joining the MyCommunity / 4Eden Fun Day, presenting the Volunteer of the Year award to Cameron Stewart at the Stars of Business Awards, and representing Penrith Town Council at events such as the Mayor of Kendal’s Civic Sunday and the Kendal Torchlight Parade.
Each visit has given me the chance to see first-hand the many different facets of community life that Penrith Town Council supports, and to learn more about the invaluable work these organisations do for residents across the town.
One of the most moving moments of my year was taking part in the Remembrance Sunday procession. I have attended many such services elsewhere, but the sight of Penrith Town Band, local organisations, and residents lining the streets, regardless of the weather, was especially poignant. Just two days later, on Armistice Day, I had the honour of signing the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Penrith Town Council, reaffirming our commitment to those who serve, have served, and to their families.
At the opposite end of the emotional experiences, what fun we all enjoyed at the Penrith Business Improvement District’s Penrith Sparkle event, where I was delighted to join Santa and our well-known local resident Roland, at the switching on of the wonderful Christmas lights. For me, these two events sum up Penrith - a place of proud tradition but also a place of fun for everyone and a place of commitment by the local organisations and residents to make Penrith the best it can be.
So, I’m sure it will be another busy year next year, but for now, on behalf of Penrith Town Council, I send sincere Christmas and New Year Greetings to you all.
Cllr. Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council & Mayor of Penrith.
 Pictured at the cleared plots on Brackenber Allotments: (From Left to Right): Ian Parker (PTC Services & Contracts Manager, Rossalin Elliot (Penrith Allotment Association Site Representative), Cllr Vivo Dippita (PTC West Ward Councillor) & Cllr Barbara Jayson (PTC West Ward Councillor, Deputy Chair of PTC & Deputy Penrith Mayor)
Penrith Town Council is pleased to announce significant progress in delivering a series of improvement works across the Brackenber, James Street and Salkeld Road allotment sites, working in partnership with the Penrith Allotment Association (PAA).
PAA identified a number of projects across the sites, ranging from essential maintenance to improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and usability.
The following works have been complete:
- At Brackenber Allotments, a series of plots have been fully cleared of debris and vegetation, allowing the PAA to bring them back into use and re-let them to new tenants.
- At James Street, the site railings have been freshly repainted, enhancing both safety and appearance.
- At Salkeld Road, a new storage shed has been installed to support tenants and site maintenance.
A £10,000 budget for allotment improvement works was agreed as part of the Council’s 2025/26 budget in January 2025. The completed scheme of works was agreed by the Finance Committee in June 2025, with further funding proposed for 2026/27.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, West Ward Councillor, Deputy Chair of Penrith Town Council & Deputy Mayor, said:
“The Penrith allotments represent an important part of the fabric of our town, and I am pleased to see the Council investing in maintaining and improving such a valued community asset.
“This jointly agreed programme will help ensure the sites remain safe, accessible and productive spaces for all tenants. It is another great example of partnership working delivering real, practical benefits for local people.”
This programme of works represents progress in the delivery of the Council’s Business Plan, under the Partnership Priority where we commit to Encourage and support Penrith Allotment Association to have fully occupied and well-maintained allotments, providing funding for improvements.
Points of Clarity on the recent improvement works undertaken at the Brackenber allotment site:
- The total cost of the works for the labour and skip hire was £5,150, that being £3,000 for the labour and £2,150 for the skips.
- The works involved removing waste and debris amounting to five 8-cubic-yard skips, containing items such as metal, timber, furniture, vegetation, rubble, glass, stone, and even a w/c all of which required safe removal.
- An individual did express an interest in undertaking the work, but this was after the Council had already placed the order with the contractor, the skip company and a start date agreed. The person concerned did not put any submission in writing to the Council or the PAA Committee.
- The Council is pleased to hear from the Penrith Allotment Association that that all cleared plots have now been successfully re-let, enabling the wider community to benefit from improved and fully occupied allotment spaces.
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 Image Description: Penrith Community Awards Poster.
Penrith Town Council is pleased to launch the Penrith Community Awards, a new annual programme recognising individuals and groups who make a positive difference to the wellbeing, vitality, and community spirit of Penrith.
The refreshed awards scheme celebrates outstanding citizenship, voluntary service, and contributions that enhance life in Penrith. Nominations are free to submit, and anyone can nominate. Winners will be selected by the Council’s Communities Committee and presented in February 2026.
Cllr Scott Jackson, Acting Chair of the Communities Committee, said:
"The Penrith Community Awards give us the opportunity to recognise the amazing individuals and groups who make a difference to our town and make it a better place to visit, live and work.
“From volunteers who quietly support local initiatives to community organisations that inspire us all, these awards celebrate the dedication and passion that strengthens Penrith.
“I encourage everyone to think about those who make a real difference and to put forward a nomination so their work can be recognised and celebrated."
The 2026 Penrith Community Awards are:
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Community Recognition Award – Individuals 21 years plus, residing or based in Penrith; recognised for contributing positively to the lives and well-being of people and quality of life in Penrith.
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Youth Community Recognition Award – Individuals up to 21 years, residing or based in Penrith; recognised for contributing positively to the lives and well-being of people and quality of life in Penrith.
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Community Group Award – Groups whose work directly benefits the people of Penrith.
The Penrith Community Awards complement the Penrith Chamber of Trade Awards, which focus primarily on businesses and typically take place in October, ensuring recognition is spread throughout the year for both community and business achievements.
For full eligibility criteria, nomination process, and submission details, please visit the Penrith Town Council website: https://www.penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk/communication/penrith-community-awards
Nominations can be made directly through the Council’s online survey: https://forms.office.com/e/NpTPbpSQjV
Printed nomination forms are available from Penrith Town Council, Unit 1, Church House, Friargate, Penrith, CA11 7XR.
Nominations close at 12 noon on Sunday 1 February 2026.
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On Thursday 27 November 2025, Alex Deacon was elected as the new Councillor for Penrith South Ward.
Alex brings enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and a strong commitment to serving the Penrith South community.
We look forward to working with our new councillor to continue delivering for the people of Penrith and for the people of Penrith South.
Penrith Town Council has agreed to adopt and restore the commemorative bench outside the former Royal British Legion building, following a request from the former President of the Women’s Section. The bench has long served as a meaningful landmark and a place of rest for local residents.
With the closure of the Women’s Section and the sale of the building, the bench’s future was uncertain. By taking on its care, the Council will ensure that this piece of local heritage remains accessible and well maintained.
The decision reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting community assets and preserving places that hold significance for residents, ensuring the bench continues to be enjoyed for years to come
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At the Full Council meeting on Monday 15 December, appointments were made to fill vacancies on the Communities Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.
Councillors Doug Lawson and Ron Kenyon were appointed as Members of the Communities Committee, with Councillor Barbara Jayson elected as Chair of the Communities Committee.
Any member of the public can attend Council meetings. The Council's upcoming meetings are detailed below with dates, times and venues.
Full Council Meeting:
- Date: Monday 26 January 2026
- Time: 6pm - 8pm
- Venue: Unit 2 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Planning Committee:
- Date: Monday 12 January 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Unit 2, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Finance Committee:
- Date: Monday 23 February 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.15pm
- Venue: Board Room, Unit 1 Church House, 19-24 Friargate
Communities Committee:
- Date: Monday 9 February 2026
- Time: 5.15pm - 7.00pm
- Venue: Boardroom, Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate
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