Council approves council tax rise

Torridge District Council has approved a £5.67 (2.99 per cent) rise in Council Tax for the 2025/26 financial year for the average Band D property. 

The increase is intended to offset inflationary cost rises and maintain essential services.

The decision, made by the council and announced on February 25, followed a meeting held on February 24, where councillors finalised the budget and determined the Council Tax rate. The council stated that the approved increase of £5.67 (2.99 per cent) is below the current inflation rate of 4.6 per cent (CPIH, January 2025) and will amount to just over 10 pence per week for most residents of Torridge.

For the full breakdown of the council tax payment, the Devon County Council has approved an increase of £85.59 (4.99 per cent), the Police & Crime Commissioner £13.70 (4.99 per cent), Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service £5.00 (5.02 per cent), and the various Town and Parish councils an average of £6.22 (7.44 per cent).

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 surrounding the revenue budget, the council has announced its largest-ever level of capital investment in the district. 

They stated that projects are progressing, including the development of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre and a state-of-the-art Operational Services Centre. 

The Operational Services Centre is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of the 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 has stated it is dedicated to investing in and modernising its services to improve efficiency, uphold its commitment to net zero, and support the community.

The council revealed that second homeowners in the Torridge district have received letters informing them of changes to Council Tax charges for their properties.

Beginning April 1 of this year, a 100 per cent 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. 

The council explained that this is the direct result of its efforts to increase the amount of space in its hostels and other forms of accommodation.

They also made it clear that this area remains a key focus for delivering savings in the coming years.