The threat of Kingsteignton being broke by the summer has been lifted after the town council was told it could increase its share of the council tax to cover rising costs.

Last month, members learned at the last minute that plans to approve a 13p a week rise in its precept on Teignbridge Council could be scuppered by new rules introduced by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

It was feared he would cap increases to a figure far lower than the amount Kingsteignton said it needed to cover expenses such as maintenance for an ageing council van and repairs to Rydon Community Centre.

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