FOLLOWING its latest full council meeting, Torridge District Council has confirmed that council tax will rise by 2.99 per cent in the area.

Councillors met at full council on Monday, February 24, to finalise the budget and determine the council tax rate for the 2025/26 financial year. The approved increase of 2.99 per cent, which is lower than inflation at 4.6 per cent, will represent a rise of just over ten pence per week for the majority of Torridge residents — amounting to around £5.67.

This makes up only a fraction of residents’ full council tax payment. The remaining elements can be broken down into: Devon County Council approved a rise of £85.59 (4.99 per cent), Police and Crime Commissioner £13.70 (4.99 per cent), Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service £5 (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, four pence to the fire service, and three pence to town and parish councils.

“This leaves approximately eight 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.”

A council spokesperson added: “In addition to the challenges of the revenue budget, the council is pleased to announce its largest ever level of capital investment in the district. Projects are progressing with the development of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, as well as a state-of-the-art Operational Services Centre. The Operational Services Centre is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of this 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 is dedicated to investing in and modernising its services to improve efficiency, uphold our commitment to net zero and support the community.”

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.