Torridge Councillors agree £5.67/2.99% Council Tax rise for Average Band D Properties to offset inflationary cost rises and maintain essential services

Torridge Councillors met at Full Council on Monday 24^th February, to finalise the budget and determine the Council Tax rate for the 2025/26 financial year. The approved increase of £5.67 (2.99%), which is lower than inflation at 4.6% (CPIH, January 2025), will represent a rise of just over ten pence per week for the majority of Torridge residents.

For the remaining elements which constitutes the full council tax payment Devon County Council approved a rise of £85.59 (4.99%), Police & Crime Commissioner £13.70 (4.99%), Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service £5.00 (5.02%) and the various Town and Parish councils an average of £6.22 (7.44%).

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council said:

"The Council Tax collected by Torridge constitutes only a small fraction of the total payment. For every pound collected, 73 pence is allocated to Devon County Council, 12 pence to the Police, 4 pence to the Fire Service, and 3 pence to Town and Parish Councils. This leaves approximately 8 pence per pound for Torridge to support the essential services that benefit our community. To ensure we continue to provide these vital front-line services that Torridge residents depend on, it is important for us to increase council tax. By doing so, we can strengthen our resources and enhance the quality of services available to everyone in the district."

In addition to the challenges of the revenue budget, the Council is pleased to announce its largest ever level of capital investment in the district. Projects are progressing with the development of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, as well as a state-of-the-art Operational Services Centre. The Operational Services Centre is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of this year, while construction of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre is set to begin this spring. Improvements are also being made to leisure and public facilities, including the decarbonisation of Holsworthy Leisure Centre and renovations to the old Bideford Library. The Council is dedicated to investing in and modernising its services to improve efficiency, uphold our commitment to net zero and support the community.

Second homeowners in the Torridge district have received letters informing them of changes to Council Tax charges for their properties. Beginning 1^st April of this year, a 100% premium will be applied to properties classified as second homes, where no premium was previously charged.

Due to investments and efficiencies made in temporary housing, spending has decreased from approximately £800,000 in 2023/24 to a forecast of around £500,000 in 2024/25. This is direct result of the Councils efforts to increase the amount of space in its hostels and other forms of accommodation. This area remains a key focus for delivering savings in the coming years.

Feb 25