CREDITON Town Council has agreed to significantly increase its precept, the amount paid directly to it by Kirtonian’s as a percentage of their Council Tax.

The precept has been set at £325,197 from April 2021 to March 2022, which is an increase of 24.2 per cent on last year.

The council says that in real terms, this equates to an increase of £2.03 a month per Band D household.

The decision was agreed at the January 19 meeting of the council.

At the meeting the Town Clerk, Rachel Avery, provided a presentation on the Council’s precept for the financial year 2021/22.

Councillors thanked the Town Clerk for providing clear budget documents that were easy to understand.

Members discussed the precept in detail as well as information from District Councillors expecting discontinuation of certain services from higher level authorities.

Crediton Town Council, reminding residents how it spends its residents money, said that it maintains public open spaces, including People’s Park and Upper Deck, continued allotment provision, seasonable bedding at the Town Square (that until this year was provided by Mid Devon District Council), St Lawrence Green and Newcombes Meadow, grass cutting, footpath maintenance and street furniture maintenance.

It also funds and organises the annual Christmas in Crediton, Remembrance Sunday and other community events.

It provides community facilities and infrastructure, including future renovation of Newcombes Meadow toilet block and the anticipated purchase of Old Landscore School.

The council also grant funds a number of community groups/organisations and the 2021/22 grant budget is £27,500.

It provides strategic planning for the future of the town, including post-Covid recovery and the ongoing development of council policy.

It is also working towards a brand new CCTV system for Crediton High Street, the Town Square and Newcombes Meadow.

The council is responsible for the War Memorial, St Boniface Statue and the Bandstand.

Councillors say that they try to keep the burden of taxation as low as possible and to spend wisely because they realise they are spending town residents money and the residents expect good value.

Crediton Mayor, Cllr Frank Letch, said: “No council likes to increase its precept but the rise for 2021-22 is necessary if the town council is to maintain its usual services, take on some of those relinquished by Mid Devon District Council and move the town forward!”