RESIDENTS in Newton Abbot could be paying a mere 5p extra a week on their council tax this year, if the town council approve the plans.

On Wednesday night, members of the town council’s finance and audit committee recommended the council adopts a precept of £737,793 for 2017/18.

The figure represents an increase of £2.48 a year, which equates to 5p a week or 3.06 per cent for a Band D property in the town.

Teignbridge Council would collect – on the town council’s behalf – £666,913 in council tax and provide the town council with a Council Tax Support Grant of £70,880.

The total tax a Band D property would be £83.48.

In the report before councillors it said: ‘It is worth noting that a Band D council tax payer in Ivybridge currently pays well over £100 per annum.

‘Based on what Newton Abbot offers to its residents, £83.48 could be considered good value for money.’

Cllr David Corney-Walker praised the plans at Wednesday’s meeting saying: ‘This is an excellent recommendation.

‘I am surprised about how many people come forward and say what a great job the town council does.’

Cllr Rob Hayes chipped in with: ‘People can see what their money is being spent on.’

The proposals will go before full council on Wednesday.