‘Supporting our vibrant community through continuing challenging times’ is Sidmouth Town Council’s summary of its budget for the next financial year.

The budget, including a small increase in the town council’s share of council tax, was approved by councillors on Monday, January 22.

It enables the council to maintain an already increased level of service provision and activities, and support 32 local organisations with grant allocations.

The increase for 2024/25 in its overall precept is £5.11 a year or 9.8p a week for an average Band D property, amounting to £102.70 per year or £1.98 a week.

Full details of the budget including a breakdown of expenditure, along with a full list of grant awards, can be seen on Sidmouth Town Council's website.

The budget reflects the cost of funding a wider range of services, and the financial pressures which continue to affect residents. In line with many other town councils across the country, Sidmouth continues to take on more responsibilities than ever before, including the transfer of the Knowle Parkland in December 2023, which the town council will manage for the community to use and enjoy.

Other services, both statutory and discretionary, include Sidmouth Town Council’s public toilets on the seafront and the water bottle filling fountains on the Esplanade and at Jacobs Ladder. The town council will also continue to complement the work of the District and County Council to maintain flower beds and highway verges.

Grant awards

The 2024/25 budget includes support for a record number of community organisations across the Sid Valley, providing both younger and older residents with sports and social clubs, the arts, educational and environmental groups.

Grants have been awarded to events that 'entertain and inspire' residents and visitors alike, including Sidmouth Science Festival, Sidmouth, Sea Fest, the Walking Festival and Sidmouth Carnival. The increased level of support recognises the vital role of voluntary organisations and the continuing difficulties many face in securing alternative sources of funding.

Other grants aim to support a vibrant economy through promotion of the High Street, and of responsible, sustainable tourism through the Coast & Country Project. The council is helping to finance major festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival and Sidmouth Regatta, along with the Christmas lights, Sidmouth in Bloom and Sid Valley HELP.

The feasibility study into how the council can best support services for children and young people in the Sid Valley has received further funding for 2024/25 and funding for a new CCTV project in the town centre, working with the police, has also been included.

The Chair of the Town Council, Councillor Chris Lockyear, said: "In setting its budget for next year I am pleased that the Council has been able to continue to support those things that are important to its residents such as the environment (both natural and built), tourism promotion, toilets, and help for our young people. I am also delighted that we have been able to help many of the voluntary groups who do so much for the cultural, sporting, environmental and community life in the Sid Valley."