Exeter City Council propose £5 Council Tax increase

Traditionally setting one of the lowest council tax levels in the country, Exeter City Council is proposing to put up its council tax for next year by £5, or just under 10p per week.

Council Leader Pete Edwards, said the £5 increase, which would see the City Council's part of the council tax bill rise from £124.84 to £129.84 for an average Band D property, still represented excellent value for money. Last year the authority set the fifth lowest district council tax in the country, more than £180 less than Ipswich - a similar size community - and apart from East Devon District Council, the lowest in Devon.

Cllr Edwards said: "Last year we froze our bills and for many previous years we have adopted a below-inflation rise in council tax. This has been recognised by the current government, who have allowed councils who set the lowest bills to make increases of £5.

"Government funding to Exeter has been severely cut again. We must increase council tax to protect essential services. Even with the increase, Exeter still sets one of the lowest district council tax levels in the country. The average household will pay just £2.49 per week for all of the City Council services next year if these proposals are carried forward."