New budget for 2012/13 ratified by Honiton Town Council.

Honiton Town Council agreed not to change the precept charge for residents as part of the council tax bill.

The budget for 2012/13 was ratified during a meeting of the full council last night (Monday).

Town and parish councils are not subject to the current freeze on council tax.

The Mayor of Honiton, Councillor Vernon Whitlock, said: “The town council worked hard to keep down costs in these difficult times.

“Being able to fund the Public Works Loan with no increase in the Town Council’s proportion of the community charge is good news for the residents of Honiton, and brings the much needed Community Complex a step nearer.”

In its business plan the council had estimated that a maximum rise of �7 per household would be necessary to cover loan repayments but with cut backs, mainly relating to council overheads, this increased expenditure by taxpayers will no longer be required.

The planning application for the complex is being submitted to East Devon District Council and final amendments are being made to the business plan.

The complex is due to be completed in early 2013.