Honiton Town Council will not increase its council tax this year

Honiton Town Council has said it will not be increasing its council tax rates for the year 2023 - 2024.

A spokesperson for the Town Council said: "The Town Council recognises the burden of increasing household bills. So not to burden people with even more costs, it decided not to increase its Council Tax for 2023/24."

Chairman Councillor Serena Sexton said: "Now would be the wrong time to increase household bills, so the Town Council Tax will not increase".

However, the total council tax bill paid by members of the public also includes other organisations, including East Devon District Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon County Council and the Fire & Rescue Service.

Yesterday is was announced that Devon and Cornwall Police are increasing their tax bill by 6%, meaning people in Band D homes will pay an extra £15 a year.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said that the extra money will help open more Police Stations.

Despite not increasing their tax bill. Honiton Town Council has ambitious plans for 2023. It will continue to support a number of events including celebrating the King's coronation in May, Gate to Plate, Charter Day and Hot Pennies.

As well as this, the council will replace another bus shelter in the town, erect a new Welcome to Honiton sign, continue to support the market and recruit staff to help maintain the town.

The 2023- 2024 budget includes a Precept of £477,979, which is £112. 18 per Band D household.