Honiton Town Council will not be raising council tax this year in an effort to mitigate the financial pressure many households are under due to the pandemic.

This is despite the fact that less properties in Honiton will be required to pay any council tax in the coming year. East Devon District Council has advised that region's tax base be reduced by 58 for 2021/22, of which 38 are in Honiton.

Even though Honiton has seen a large reduction, to counter the impact of Covid-19, Honiton Town Council has decided not to increase its council tax.

Council tax will, therefore, be kept the same as last year at £76.78 (per Band D equivalent property) or £296,742 precept.

Council chairman, John Zarczynski said: "It seems unfair on people to increase council tax at a time when households are under other financial pressures.

"So, by sound financial management, the town council will not increase its precept tax charge."

He added: "It must be remembered that Honiton Town Council's council tax requirement is significantly less than charged by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service."