Council tax in Okehampton will rise by 51p per month for the average Band D property in the new financial year 2022/23 due to rising costs and increased council expenses.

The precept, which is the parish council’s portion of the council tax, is usually confirmed in January, but Okehampton Town Council approved this coming year’s precept in December due to fears of new covid restrictions and the possibility of being unable to hold in-person meetings.

It was agreed to increase the amount by £17,378 making a total of £303,086 for the next financial year.

Okehampton Mayor Bob Tolley said: ’Like everyone else the council’s utility, wages and commodities bills will be rising this year so even to stand still would have required a small percentage rise in the precept.

’Being cognisant of our ratepayers' own expected cost of living increases in the upcoming 12 months, the increases from district and county councils and the emergency services we, as a council, have made every effort to keep our community’s precept contribution to a minimum.

’The council agreed to a 4.73% increase in their precept, which equates to an increase of £6.33 [for a year] on a Band D property, from last year. In tangible terms less than the cost of an extra pint of milk a month.

’Having taken the decision to agree our 2022/2023 finances early, we are unable to compare our precept percentage rise with neighbouring parishes or similar sized towns. I am, however, confident that our increase will be less than or on a par with those similar authorities.’

The council states that the precept includes funds needed to restore the Charter Hall’s roof and replace the windows in the town hall which is a Grade II-listed building.

Councillors have also included funding for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the replacement of trees affected by ash dieback in Clapps Wood.