A 31 per cent hike in a key component that makes up Honiton retailers business rates has left East Devon commerce chiefs wondering if the region has become an anomaly .

A 31 per cent hike in a key component that makes up Honiton retailers' business rates has left East Devon commerce chiefs wondering if the region has become an "anomaly".

With the average Rateable Value (RV) for retail premises in the South West set to rise by just five per cent, Chamber of Commerce bosses have been left vexed by news the figure in some East Devon towns will soar by an average of 30 per cent.

Members of Sidmouth's Chamber said this week there is "no explanation" why the region has had a higher re-valuation than anywhere else.