Sidmouth Town Council councillors have voted to raise their contribution to council tax by three per cent this year.
The town council precept, which is the town council’s share of the council tax, was approved by councillors in their meeting on Monday (January 20).
The authority has agreed to an increase, for 2024/25 in its overall precept, of £3.21 a year, or 6.2p a week for an average Band D property.
The increase means the town council’s portion of the annual council tax bill for a Band D property, will rise by 3.1 per cent and be £105 a year.
The council said this increase will help 'continue to provide local services for its residents, businesses, visitors and support organisations.'
A spokesman for the council added: "'Supporting our vibrant community whilst delivering additional services’, sums up Sidmouth Town Council’s budget for the next financial year.
"This year, the town council is going to be taking on Long Park Toilets from East Devon District Council, preventing them from being closed altogether.
"In setting the annual budget, members also highlighted the growing number of services provided by Sidmouth Town Council and support to community organisations.
"Sidmouth Town Council will also continue running the toilets on the seafront, and providing water bottle filling fountains on the Esplanade, Market Place and at Jacobs Ladder."
While setting its budget for 2025/26, the council also agreed to award a record level of support to 25 community organisations across the Sid Valley, helping to provide opportunities for both younger and older residents with sports and social clubs, the arts, educational and environmental groups.
The council will continue support for major festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival and Sidmouth Regatta together with annual support for Christmas Lights, Sidmouth in Bloom and Sid Valley Help.
Community events entertaining and inspiring both residents and visitors alike also continue to receive support such as Sidmouth Science Festival, Sea Fest and Sidmouth Walking Festival.
The chairman of the town council, Councillor Chris Lockyear said: "In setting its budget for next year I am pleased that the Council has not only been able to expand its own services but also help so many of the extraordinary voluntary organisations across the community that make the Sid Valley such a special place to live and visit.”
Read the full 2025 Sidmouth Town Council 2025 precept breakdown on their website.
