‘Looking to the future whilst supporting our vibrant community’, sums up Sidmouth Town Council’s
budget for the next financial year. Whilst setting its budget and maintaining the increased level of
services and activities it provides, the Town Council is also assisting 22 local organisations with £76,000
of support.
The precept, which is the Town Council’s share of the Council Tax, was approved by Councillors on
Monday 24 January 2022 and will enable the Council to continue to provide many local services.
Services, such as the Town Council’s own public conveniences on the seafront and water fountains
which are provided along the Esplanade and at Jacobs ladder. The Council will continue to ensure
flower beds are colourful and attractive and highway verges kept clean and maintained.
The economy and promotion of tourism, remains a key aim for the Town Council, with continued
support for Sidmouth Folk Festival and the Council’s own Sidmouth Air Show, together with the
provision of Christmas Lights, Sidmouth in Bloom and Sidmouth Town Band. To support environment
aims, advice will continue to be made available to residents to help them reduce their personal carbon
footprint.
Whilst delivering in the current financial year, on the construction of a new Skate Park and with lighting
to be installed shortly, the commitment to replace the Manstone Youth Centre building has received
further funding for 2022/23, and an amount committed to the transfer of the Knowle Arena and
Parkland into its ownership.
Member with Special Responsibility for Finance, Councillor Chris Lockyear commented “’This budget
represents a significant continuation in investment for tourism, youth services and practical things that
help those who live in the Sid Valley. I am pleased that at what is still a difficult time, the Council has
increased its level of support to help so many organisations that contribute to the cultural, sporting
and environmental activities in the Valley.”
While setting its budget for 2022/23, the Council also agreed to award £76,000 in grants to
organisations across the Sid Valley that support both younger and older residents with sports and social
clubs, Arts and Environmental groups and those providing care, such as the Admiral Nurse. Local
Festivals that entertain and inspire both residents and visitors alike were also supported including the
Science Festival, Sea Fest, the Carnival and the Walking Festival.
In line with many other town councils across the country, the Council has been handed more
responsibilities than ever before. In order to continue to provide local services for its residents,
businesses, visitors and support organisations, the Council has agreed to an increase, for 2022/23, in
its overall precept of £4.07 a year or 7.8p a week for an average Band D property. The increase means
the authority’s portion of the annual Council Tax bill for a Band D property will rise by 4.5% and be
£93.58 a year or £1.80 a week.
Chair of Council, Ian Barlow added: “I am proud that the Town Council is remaining committed to
enhancing and helping our community including its economy, tourism and environment. All while
taking on and maintaining services