The tax increase of 2.99%, equaling £5.67 for median Band D homes, funds essential services amid rising inflation.
The council decided this on February 25 after finalizing the budget on February 24. The increase is less than inflation and works out to about 10 pence weekly for most Torridge residents.
Other tax portions also increased. Devon County Council’s portion rose £85.59 (4.99 percent). The Police portion went up £13.70 (4.99 percent). Fire services increased by £5.00 (5.02 percent). Town and Parish councils rose by £6.22 (7.44 percent).
A council leader said Torridge receives a small portion of the tax. Devon County receives 73 pence per pound, while Police get 12p, and the Fire Service gets 4p. Town/Parish councils get 3p. Torridge uses 8p to support local services. The council tax increase supports crucial services and helps maintain service quality.
The council announced major capital investments, focusing on developing places like the Appledore center and an Operational Services location.
The Operations place should open by this year’s end and the Appledore innovation construction starts this spring. Leisure areas get upgrades too, with Holsworthy getting a greener leisure center and the old Bideford Library being fixed. The council wants to improve services, with goals of being green and helping locals.
Torridge sent letters about a Council Tax change. Second homeowners now face a higher tax. Starting April 1, a 100 percent fee applies for second homes that had no fee before.
Temporary housing spending has decreased from £800,000 to a forecast of £500,000. This happened because more hostel spaces exist. They will focus on saving money here.