NEWTON Abbot Town Coucnil has defended the sharp increase in its precept, stating tax bills in Newton Abbot still remain lower than most comparable communities in Devon after agreeing an increase of 45p per week for a Band D property.

The 2023/24 charge will be £150.26 - £10 less than Teignmouth – and still lower than last year’s rates in Totnes, Dartmouth, Barnstaple, Okehampton, Crediton, Ivybridge, Cranbrook and Tavistock where increases have yet to be decided.

Newton Abbot Town Council’s share of the precept will help to help deliver targets asked for by residents in the newly published Newton Abbot and District Community Plan 2022 - 2032.

Among them are an improved events programme, better play equipment and extra ‘greening’ of the town.

The total Band D bill for the coming year will be known once the district and county councils, fire service and police chiefs have announced their intentions.

Last year the charge was £2,079.98, making the Town Council’s share of the total just six per cent.

Cllr Phil Bullivant described the proposal to increase the precept as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘a slap in the face for the people of Newton Abbot.’

Among demands on the income is the provision of Newton Abbot Town and GWR Museum, housed in Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

Other Town Council activities include maintenance of various footpaths and seats, upkeep of Town Quay, Victoria Gardens, Victoria Place and the War Memorial.

Cllr Mike Hocking praised the work of the town’s Facilities Management Officers (FMO) saying the trio ‘work their socks off’ and that failing to support an increase to the precept would likely mean ‘something has to give’.

‘Our FMOs are doing a wonderful job, many times on Facebook we are seeing before and after pictures of what they are doing.

‘If we do not increase the precept, and no one wants to increase it but if we do not increase it, something has to give and it will be what those lads do out on the streets, what those lads do for the town, so I am quite happy to support the motion.’

The operation of St Leonard’s Clock tower also falls to the Town Council as does the provision of allotments, organising Newton in Bloom, maintenance and provision of bus shelters, shop improvement grants, maintenance of the ancient Vicary’s Mill Leat and Golden Lion Square.

The town council is a consultee on planning applications and other infrastructure proposals.

The annual events programme includes the Victorian Evening, Growfest, band concerts, town criers’ competition, motorshow, Remembrance Service, Christmas celebrations, lantern parade and carnival.

Mayor Cllr Carol Bunday said: ‘While we regret any increase in our share of the Council Tax bill, the stark fact is costs are increasing with many such as fuel beyond our control.

‘However, we trust residents will understand our position and, based on what the Town Council offers the community, £150.26 could be considered as very good value.’

Elsewhere in the meeting, councillors noted the resignation of former councillor Richard Jenks, as well as the removal of Ryan Hall and Chris Jenks for failing to attend a meeting for six months.

Council gave consideration to advertising the Councillor vacancies for co-option but, given the upcoming Local Government Elections and that any replacements could potentially only be in office for a matter of months, decided to contiue as is until the elections in May.