Torridge council tax rise confirmed to 'support essential services'

Residents across Torridge will see a rise in their council tax bills from April, in a move that the council has said will “support the essential services that benefit our community.”

Following a full council meeting on 25 February 2026, elected members moved to finalise the budget and determine the tax rate for the 2026/27 financial year. 

The approved increase for an average Band D property has been set at £5.84, representing a 2.99 per cent rise.

Local officials pointed out that this remains significantly lower than the 3.6 per cent rate of inflation (CPIH) recorded in December 2025, effectively meaning the hike is a real-terms reduction compared to the rising cost of goods and services.

For the majority of Torridge residents, the financial impact of the district’s portion of the bill will amount to a rise of just over ten pence per week. 

However, the total bill landing on doormats will be considerably higher, as Torridge District Council acts as the collection agent for several other authorities, all of whom have approved their own increases.

The Breakdown of the Bill

The total council tax payment is split between several different bodies. For every pound collected by the authorities, the distribution is heavily weighted toward county-wide services:

• Devon County Council: Receives 73 pence (following a £89.91 / 4.99 per cent rise).
• Police & Crime Commissioner: Receives 12 pence (following a £15.00 / 5.20 per cent rise).
• Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service: Receives 4 pence (following a £5.00 / 4.78 per cent rise).
• Town and Parish Councils: Receive 3 pence on average (following a £6.55 / 7.29 per cent rise).
• Torridge District Council: Retains approximately 8 pence.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, defended the necessity of the increase, stating that it is vital to protect the front-line services that local people depend on. “By doing so, we can strengthen our resources and enhance the quality of services available to everyone in the district,” he said. 

He further emphasised that the increase would allow the council to maintain “financial sustainability” as a key priority while continuing to deliver value for money.

Efficiency and Savings

The council highlighted a major success in its efforts to streamline spending, particularly regarding temporary housing. 

By investing in its own hostels and increasing the volume of available accommodation, the council has managed to slash its expenditure in this sector.

Spending has dropped from approximately £800,000 in 2023/24 to a forecast of just £300,000 for the 2025/26 period. 

This area is expected to remain a primary focus for delivering further savings in the coming years.

A Landmark Year for Investment

Despite the pressures on the revenue budget, the council is currently overseeing its largest-ever level of capital investment. 

Several major infrastructure projects are either reaching completion or are currently under construction across the district:

• The Operational Services Centre: This facility is now complete and fully operational.
• Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre: Construction is well underway, with an expected completion date of autumn 2026.
• Community Regeneration Partnership: Work has commenced on these projects, backed by a £20 million investment.
• Public Facility Improvements: Renovations are currently being made to the old Bideford Library and Town Hall, alongside broader improvements to leisure facilities.

Council leaders stated that these investments are part of a long-term strategy to modernise local services, improve overall efficiency, and uphold the authority's commitment to reaching net zero.