Exmouth Council is beginning 2020 with good news for taxpayers. At the council's annual budget meeting on Monday, January 20, Exmouth Town councillors voted to approve the budget and a precept for 2020/21.

A precept of £771,394 for the next financial year has been agreed, which represents a slight decrease compared to last year. Based on the current Council 'tax base', Band D householders will therefore have to contribute a little under £60 towards the Town Council's costs – a figure that has remained stable since 2017, despite increased pressures as a result of higher-tier authorities struggling to maintain services.

A sum of £10,000 has been included by way of contribution to Exeter City Council's new patrol boat for the Exe Estuary as well as increased funding for the safe delivery of Exmouth Festival.

The Town Council is responsible for the delivery of the Tourist Information Service, the Jubilee Clock Tower and Gorfin Hall. The budget also covers services such as grounds maintenance, grass cutting and maintenance of public realm assets as well as officers' salaries, building / administration costs and a contribution towards the running costs of the 99E bus service.

The Town Council will continue to offer grants to community groups totalling £44,000 in 2020/21. These grants enable local not-for-profit organisations to provide vital services to the community and facilitate networking and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

Despite the slight reduction in its budget, the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Steve Gazzard, says that the Town Council's budget "demonstrates an increased commitment to the residents of Exmouth" and that "the Town Council is driving forward a number of projects and improvements in the town".

If you require any further information on the Town Council budget for 2020/21 please contact Lisa Bowman, the Town Clerk on 01395 276167 or by email at townclerk@ exmouth.gov.uk.