MEMBERS at Torridge's full council meeting have agreed on a 1.95% increase in Torridge's portion (which is 9% of the total) of the council tax this year.

Leader of the council Philip Collins said council tax had not been raised for for three years but the cumulative effect of not increasing it had taken its toll.

He said: 'It's been a difficult decision this year and I know this will not be popular, but to put things in perspective; a 1.95% increase means an average Band D household will only have to pay an extra 5p a week to receive all the services Torridge currently provides. And 68% of households in Torridge are A, B and C so they will pay even less than that.'

The council will be looking at using money raised by this year's increase in areas such as discretionary financial and homelessness budgets to help those most affected in the community, and economic regeneration projects within the district like more apprenticeships, inward investment and supporting job creation.

Cllr Collins added: 'People think that because we collect the council tax, we must keep it all. But in reality, Torridge's portion is only around 9% and the bulk of it goes to Devon County Council.'