I reported last year that finances were a concern, They still are.

I commend the efforts to balance the budget in the face of the impact of the Covid pandemic and leaving the European Union, the loss of central government revenue and delays and lack of new income streams.

This year we have achieved 2Million in savings without directly impacting statutory and frontline services that is an achievement. It doesn’t mean services aren’t affected, such as rural skips and rural aid. These savings continue to next year but we can’t keep fund services by cutting them.

Council tax for Teignbridge District Council will rise by £5 (per year for a band D property) this is the capped amount. This applies to the Teignbridge share which is only 9% of the total amount residents pay. There may be other increases in the share for County Council, Police and Fire services and Parish Councils.

Green bins will increase to £45. This has been frozen for 2 years as promised and is still below the rate set by most other councils

The increases in charges for services is not desirable, but seems sensible and measured.

I am pleased that we are able to keep the dedicated climate change officer and extra support for enforcement. The Council tax rebate scheme in TDC continues and has tiers up to 100% giving good support to those most in need. We are still progressing the affordable housing.

TDC continues to negotiate with central government on robust funding for services and I support that.

A last minute amendment sees councillors allowances frozen. The councillors allowance covers approximately one day per week at national average salary level. I am aware of the need to encourage people to engage with politics, especially younger and employed people, rather than just those who are retired of have “independent means”. These are under represented on the council and we should be making it easier, not harder for a wider range of people to join. Under the circumstances though, I supported this move.