Town council freezes tax precept

Exmouth households will not face an increased tax bill from Exmouth Town Council this year, after it voted to freeze its precept.

At a meeting this week, councillors voted to approve a budget which keeps the tax rate for a Band D property at £30 per annum.

Because new homes have been built in the town, this means the council’s revenue from the precept will increase by £717 overall.

Despite the freeze, the council says it is still able to offer improved services to the town, including the continuation of its street cleaner scheme, setting up an Exmouth Youth Council, a £9,000 increase in its grants fund, and funding for projects through the new town management forums such as improved signage, and replacing flags on the seafront.

Funding has also been identified for Christmas lights and flower displays.

The council’s finance committee chairman, Councillor Alison Greenhalgh, said: “We consider we are offering a good service taking into account that Exmouth has one of the lowest council taxes in East Devon.”

Exmouth mayor John Humphreys said: “The council is getting more services for the same amount of money, and I think it’s great for the town.”