It looks like it could be a lively meeting of Crediton Town Council tonight when the council considers its precept for the coming year, 2023/24.

At a recent meeting of the Council Affairs and Finance Committee (January 10), a proposal for a 15 per cent rise in the Town Council precept was recommended.

That decision will go to tonight’s meeting, which will take place at Old Landscore School, beginning at 7 pm.

In the Town Council newsletter issued earlier this month, the council said: “As Crediton Town Council delves into the budget for the next financial year, we are taking stock of the services we provide in the town, how we can make sure we are getting value for money and understanding what our community and taxpayers feel is important.

“Our recent survey aimed to give us information on where spending is essential and where it isn’t.

“Respondents said that clean streets, public toilets, youth work and public open spaces were essential.

“While Crediton Town Council isn’t responsible for all these areas, we will continue to work with Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council to seek a fair deal for Crediton.

“We are aware of the cost-of-living crisis, and the financial situations our local authorities find themselves in.

“Both Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council find themselves having to cut services to meet their funding gaps, and Crediton Town Council and Mid Devon District Council find themselves having to cut services to meet their funding gaps, and Crediton Town Council is the only authority allowed to increase its precept (our share of council tax) to support delivery of local services.

“We are being asked to take on further services, including additional grass cutting in Mid Devon owned areas, maintaining public toilets and play areas, but our current precept is not enough.

“Given the inflationary rises we are all experiencing, the cost of running our current services alone will require an increase.

“We provide grass cutting and maintenance on town council owned assets, including People’s Park and Upper Deck; we cut many grass verges for Devon County Council to enable visibility for drivers; we provide a town CCTV system and a youth club delivering at least three sessions to our young people each week.

“In 2022, we were able to provide lots of community-based events, including:

• a wonderful Queen’s Jubilee Celebration in partnership with Crediton Town Team, and we were also a central part of the period of mourning during the Queen’s passing

• summer holiday events and Christmas provision for our young people alongside our “usual” youth work provision

• Warm Spaces in partnership with our local churches and organisations

• another hugely successful Christmas lights switch-on event, with new lights for our High Street.

“This is a small snapshot of what Crediton Town Council delivers, and we want to be sure that our community is receiving the best service possible.

“To enable us to do this, we encourage you to respond to our questionnaires and engage with us where possible.

“We want to know what Crediton needs. We are the closest tier of local government and we are here to serve our community.”

41p PER WEEK

Also in the same newsletter, Crediton Mayor, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, commented: “In setting the town council budget for next year, Councillors are very aware of those for whom every bill or payment is a burden.

“We aim to maintain our existing services economically. Volunteers and community groups help to keep the town tidy and attractive but professional input is also needed for heavier work such as maintaining trees and grass cutting.

“With climate change in mind, we are keen to move to meadow planting where possible, which needs less maintenance.

“Some things are worth investing in, however.

“The County Council’s Youth Centre closed in 2014 as the government cut funding to county councils.

“The Town Council began funding youth activities in 2016.

“Now we have our own team of part-time youth workers.

“Consultations show that most adults believe youth work is important and are ready to support it.

“We will have to make some difficult budgetary decisions. Some plans will be postponed and some projects will be done another way or not at all.

“We believe we are good value for money.

“Percentage increases can sound a lot but can be a lot less in real terms. A 15 per cent increase in the precept would mean paying 41p per week more for town council services.

“A five per cent increase in the county council’s share would mean £1.32 per week more.

“As always, we are keen to hear what residents value in the town and what services are most important. Our role is to support the community in as many ways as we can and that will be our priority for the year ahead.”

PUBLIC CAN SPEAK

Members of the public can speak to address councillors at the meeting under Public Question Time at the beginning of the meeting.

Verbal questions should not exceed three minutes. A maximum of 30 minutes is allocated for public questions.

Members of the public can attend the meeting or watch it live on Facebook or a later recording of the meeting.