I resigned from Honiton Town Council on 19th January. I’m sorry it came to that, but I could no longer support the direction in which the Council was headed.
The 50% increase in Honiton’s council tax precept, taking it over £1million, was the last straw.
I voted against this at every stage, both in Finance Committee and Full Council meetings.
Honiton now has the second highest council tax charge per household in East Devon – only Cranbrook charges more. Other East Devon towns all charge significantly less per household, which can be seen in EDDC’s budget reports. To give examples, the charges per Band D property are:
- Cranbrook £256
- Honiton £243
- Axminster £188
- Seaton £177
- Ottery St Mary £148
- Sidmouth £111
So, why did Honiton Town Council vote to impose a 50% council tax increase on us? Why are we so out of step with similar towns?
Basically, this was Honiton Town Council’s reaction to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Devon will be reorganised into unitary councils next year. This means that a unitary council will replace East Devon District Council and Devon County Council and will take over all the assets and services of both councils.
A majority of Honiton Town Councillors decided that they wanted to try to take over multiple council assets and services from EDDC before LGR happens.
There was an alternative view, which I argued for. That it was too soon to make such significant decisions and we should wait until we know what our new unitary council looks like and whether it will continue to provide those services and maintain those assets. That’s why I voted against these over-ambitious ideas.
If Honiton Town Council takes over services from EDDC while EDDC (or the subsequent unitary council) continues to provide the same services in other towns, then Honiton residents would be paying twice. For example, we could be paying Honiton Town Council to empty rubbish bins and clean the streets in Honiton, whilst also paying EDDC to empty rubbish bins and clean the streets in Axminster, Seaton and Sidmouth.
In January’s Honiton Town Council meeting, when the budget was passed, Honiton’s mayor argued that the clock was ticking and that the Town Council had to enter into immediate agreements for as many asset transfers as possible from EDDC as “if we wait until the new unitary authority is in place The Glen, Honiton Bottom, the wildlife areas, the playparks will be in a disgraceful state” – suggesting that EDDC will simply stop maintaining these places immediately and without any warning. I’m sorry, but in my opinion that is a ridiculous suggestion.
However, a majority of town councillors agreed with the mayor’s view and voted for the budget.
The mayor also implied that this is just the start – that there will be further big increases in the precept when any assets and services are actually transferred to the town council.
This year’s 50% budget increase only includes possible legal costs related to asset transfers and funds to increase reserves.
We have not yet seen a budget which provides for actually running any additional services, which would include additional staff and premises costs. That could be double or treble what we are currently paying!
Don’t forget that there is no limit on the percentage annual council tax increase by a town or parish council.
Press Coverage:
- Midweek Herald – ‘Back of an envelope’ council tax rise triggers resignation
- Devon Live – Woman quits town council in protest over tax bill hike