Bovey Tracey approves Council Tax rise, costing ‘not even half a tea or coffee’

Households in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being asked to pay more in council tax to help the town council cover rising and unavoidable costs.

Bovey Tracey Town Council has agreed to increase its annual Band D council tax charge from £102.53 to £134.68, with the decision made at a full council meeting on Monday (19 January).

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The increase means Band D households will pay an extra 62 pence per week, and the council said the additional income is needed to support staffing levels, prepare for possible changes linked to local government reorganisation, and deal with unexpected costs.

Lottery funding for some council roles is due to end next month, and council reserves had already been budgeted for use this year to keep increases as low as possible.

The council also pointed to the cost of clearing an unauthorised encampment at Mill Marsh Park last year, along with the need to improve security at green spaces across the town.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Martyn Evans said raising council tax was not something councillors wanted to do, but said it was necessary to protect services in the long term.

He said: “The precept is the only real source of income for town and parish councils and we’re asking households in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield to contribute not even half the cost of a tea or coffee.”

Councillor Evans said some residents on lower incomes may not see any change, as they could be eligible for council tax relief of up to 100 per cent.

He also said the ongoing reorganisation of local government could result in the town council taking on additional responsibilities in future.

“How could we do that if we hadn’t budgeted for the staff we’d need?” he said.

He added that money was also needed to protect open spaces from unauthorised encampments and to rebuild reserves.

“We appreciate that the cost of living continues to challenge many households but it’s our duty to ensure that the parish of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield has the financial security to deliver services the public needs,” he said.

Bovey Tracey Town Council currently holds the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Silver Quality Award, which recognises high standards in governance, community engagement and continuous improvement.