FINANCES which support Sidmouth s vital local government services are in a robust and stable condition despite the current economic downturn according to Devon County Council (DCC).

FINANCES which support Sidmouth's vital local government services are in a "robust and stable condition" despite the current economic downturn according to Devon County Council (DCC).

DCC's executive has proposed a new budget which it says has its lowest council tax share increase in it's history. The 2.89 per cent increase is the smallest since the council began operating in 1998.

The County Council currently provides more than 85 per cent of Devon's local government services including schools, roads, care services, libraries, family centres, recycling centres, street lights, public transport, consumer protection and environment services, for more than 750,000 people.

The council has targeted an additional �5.75 million for county-wide economic regeneration as well as keeping a large capital programme in schools and roads intact.

Further millions will also be pumped into Road safety, flood prevention measures and community based support services.

The county council's share of council tax makes up only a fraction of the amount residents pay in their bills.