Exmouth Town councillors approved a three percent increase in council taxes as they approved the budget and precept for the fiscal year 2025/26.
The almost £1m proposed budget equates to a three per cent increase for a band D homeowner in Exmouth from £66.05 per annum to £68.05 per annum.
The council says it has a 'modest income' of £144,300. Its precept requirement will be £934,434.
The approved budget includes expenditures under various cost centres which are summarized below:
- Civic: £30,900
- Public Realm / Grounds Maintenance / Footpaths: £131,400
- Visit Exmouth and Tourist Information Services: £22,500
- Festivals and Arts: £135,500
- Administration: £608,684
- Accommodation / Buildings: £93,750
- Grants: £56,000
- Total budget £1,078,734.
The precept is the amount of money that a local council, like Exmouth Town Council, needs to raise through the council tax to cover its budgeted expenses for the year.
The precept amount is divided by the council tax base to determine the amount of tax that each property will pay and this is adjusted depending on the associated council tax band that the property falls into.
This process ensures that the required funds are collected proportionally from all households in the council area, based on the value of their property.
Councillor Joe Whibley, chairman of Exmouth Town Council said: "We are pleased to announce a modest increase in the precept for the upcoming fiscal year, which will allow us to continue to provide a range of services for our town, including the much-loved summer and winter festivals, supplementary town maintenance, and destination management under the Visit Exmouth brand to help the town’s economy.
"This increase reflects our commitment to being prepared for the further devolution of assets and services, ensuring that we can manage these responsibilities effectively.
"Additionally, we are excited to invest in a new road sweeping machine, which will significantly enhance our efforts to complement the work of our district council to improve the appearance of our town and contribute to a cleaner, more welcoming environment for all residents and visitors."
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