CREDITON Town Council has issued a statement about its precept increase of 17 per cent.

It was at a meeting of Crediton Town Council on Tuesday, January 24 that members considered the precept (proportion of council tax) that would be required in order to provide services to the town for the next financial year.

The meeting opened with Public Question Time, a period of up to 30 minutes at every committee and full council meeting when individuals can ask questions about the work of the council. Two questions came from individuals.

Ten questions were raised on behalf of the Independents for Crediton group. Responses to all questions were given at the meeting and can be read on the council website: www.crediton.gov.uk under meetings.

The council statement said: “As we move into a new financial year, Crediton Town Council has requested a total of £450,000 to carry out its annual provision of services and events. This will mean the town council share of the council tax will be £162.08 year for a band D property, an increase on last year’s precept of 47p per week.

“The discussion around the budget provided members with much to consider, balancing the cost-of-living crisis with a need to provide services to the community. The increase reflects the council’s commitment to providing a youth work service for another financial year at a cost of  £50,000 + £10,000 grant-generated income.  The youth work team, made up of a part-time lead youth worker and three sessional youth workers, currently provides:

• Face-to-face time with around 45 young people at our youth club sessions (two junior sessions and one senior session, totalling 7.5 hours per week)

• School outreach provision at both QE sites during term time, meeting another 25 young people 

• Activity days and project work – eight full days were held last year, reaching another 160 young people.

“Crediton Town Council remains firmly committed to providing a secular youth service, running alongside existing provision from both Crediton Congregational Church and Crediton Methodist Church. Leaders are in communication with one another to ensure services do not duplicate. We are also looking at other ways to work with existing organisations in the town to provide a comprehensive youth provision, incorporating all aspects of our diverse community.

“Crediton’s CCTV system is due to be passed to Exeter City Council, which will offer 24 hours-a-day monitoring, aiding our police force in dealing with crime. Crediton Town Council staff currently administer all CCTV access requests, in office time.  It will be hugely beneficial for all that the CCTV network will both support our police force and create a larger network within Devon. 

“Crediton Town Council’s services include (but not limited to):

• Maintenance of public open space at People’s Park, Upper Deck, Spinning Path Gardens and Fulda Crescent

• Grass cutting of verges and other public areas

• General maintenance in the town through a contract with The Turning Tides Project

• Hanging baskets and floral displays in the High Street, Town Square, Newcombes Meadow, War Memorial, Exeter Road and Mill Street

• Provision of Christmas lights in the High Street and Town Square

• Managing public rights of way

• Grants to local groups and organisations

• Community events, including Remembrance Day and Christmas in Crediton

• Restocking of grit bins

• Allotments

• Street furniture maintenance (bus shelter, bins and benches).

“We recognise that Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council are reducing their services due to reduced levels of funding from central government. As a tier of local government that is not subject to the same capping regulations as these other tiers, it is assumed that many services will be devolved to town and parish councils to ensure they are maintained.

“This must be balanced with the needs and wants of the community. Crediton Town Council’s services will cost a Band D property £3.11 per week over the next year.

“We keep residents informed of projects and services through our newsletters, website and social media.

“You can read our Town Strategy 2020-25 and our Neighbourhood Plan 2018-2033 on the website and we urge residents to engage with us through meetings, consultations and by speaking to your elected representatives or officers.”