South Hams council to decide on £150,000 underspend and council tax rise

South Hams District Council will consider a series of financial and policy decisions, including a £150,000 waste services underspend and an updated safeguarding policy, at its Executive meeting tomorrow (Thursday 12 February) in Totnes.

The meeting is set to discuss points including the transfer of an underspend in waste services, draft budget proposals for 2026/27 and changes to its safeguarding policy.

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One of the key items on the agenda relates to the projected £150,000 underspend in the Waste and Cleansing service during the current financial year. 

Councillors are being asked to recommend that the money is transferred into the council’s Sustainable Waste Management Earmarked Reserve.

The Moorlander contacted South Hams District Council for clarification on the underspend, and a spokesperson said it had “been achieved through continued close management of the services budgets, while delivering no reduction in the services”.

A council spokesperson said the reserve “could be partly used to fund the purchase and installation of new welfare facilities and offices at the Torr Quarry depot”. The depot supports waste and cleansing operations.

The Executive will also consider the draft Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026/27, with a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent currently proposed for the coming financial year.

A number of financial pressures facing the council are outlined in the budget papers, including rising inflation on goods and services, increased staffing and pay costs, higher waste service expenses, reduced government grant funding, and growing demand for temporary accommodation.

Waste services are expected to face a further £150,000 in cost pressures in 2026/27, on top of increases in the current year.

The council has also identified a range of savings and income measures, including increased car parking income, higher garden waste charges, staffing efficiencies, reduced energy costs and additional rental income from council-owned estates.

In addition, councillors will be asked to recommend the adoption of an updated safeguarding policy. 

This includes the introduction of voluntary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members.

A South Hams District Council said safeguarding policies are reviewed annually to ensure they reflect current legislation and guidance. 

“Current guidelines for DBS checks for district councillors mean it is unlawful to impose these mandatorily, but it is considered best practice from a safeguarding perspective to introduce them voluntarily, as our members are trusted community leaders” they added.

If approved, recommendations from the Executive will be passed to a full council for final decisions later this month.