THE Mayor of Newton Abbot has said the confirmed Band D increase of 17p per week to provide town council services such as street cleaning, public events and the museum would be the lowest since he became a councillor.

Cllr Alex Hall took his seat in the chamber in 2021 at a time when the pandemic and international affairs were sending prices sky high.

An additional burden on the town council had been the public’s expectation that services were maintained at a time when county and district authorities were reigning back from their traditional roles owing to cuts in government funding.

As a result, Newton Abbot Town Council’s share of the council tax bill had needed to increase by as much as 21 per cent in recent years.

But with some pressures easing, a meeting of Newton Abbot Town Council’s Finance and Audit Committee, agreed a rise of 17 pence per week for a Band D property.

’The increase is more in line with pre-Covid times which is encouraging,’ said Responsible Financial Officer and Deputy Town Clerk Sam Scott who advised members on the data.

Cllr Hall, recommending that members approve the 4.83 per cent lift, said: ‘This is one of the lowest percentage increases I’ve seen since I started with the council.’

The proposed 2025/2026 budget was later discussed and ratified at a meeting of the Full Council.

Members voted 17 to 1 in favour.

The decision results in an annual bill for a Band D property of £190.67.

Other elements of the council tax bill are determined by district and county councils, the police and fire service.