Sidmouth Town Council agrees increase in budget

Sidmouth Town Council has agreed an increase to its budget for the 2023/24 financial year of more than four per cent.

Council tax band D households will now need to pay £97.59 towards the town council's costs - a rise of 4.3 per cent, or £4.01, on last year.

The Chair of the Town Council, Councillor Chris Lockyear commented: "This budget represents a significant continuation in investment for tourism, youth services, the environment and practical things that help those who live in the Sid Valley.

"I understand that it is a difficult time financially for many, and with council service and running costs rising, I am pleased we have been able to limit the increase in precept to 7.7p per week for a band D property.

"We have also been able to increase our level of support to help so many of the organisations that contribute to the cultural, sporting and environmental activities in the Valley."

The town council's budget covers services such as its own public conveniences on the seafront, water-bottle-filling fountains, and managing flowerbeds and highway verges.

It supports events including Sidmouth Folk Festival, Sidmouth Regatta and Sidmouth Air Show, and also festivals such as the Folk Festival, Science Festival, Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival, Sea Fest, the Walking Festival and Sidmouth Carnival.