COUNCIL tax bills in Teignbridge will rise by three per cent for the coming year.

For the average Band D property it means an extra £5.87 for the year, taking Teignbridge Council’s share of the typical council tax bill to £202.28.

The council will spend the money on providing services including parks, refuse collections and planning.

Cllr John Parrott (Lib Dem, Kenn Valley) told a meeting of the full council that the budget had been set against ‘a constant stream of policy changes’ from the government.

He said the process had been ‘exceptionally difficult’.

Public consultation had shown that almost 80 per cent of people who responded were in favour of the rise of 2.99 per cent, the maximum allowed without going to a referendum.

‘The vast majority of people support the priorities we have set as a council,’ said Cllr Parrott.

But, he warned: ‘The future remains challenging.’

Some members raised the alarm over the council’s move to dig into its reserves to help balance the budget, and Cllr Phil Bullivant (Con, Bradley) said the forthcoming reorganisation of local government, in which Teignbridge Council could be abolished, could have repercussions.

‘A lot of the capital investment programme will take place outside the life of this council,’ he said.

Cllr Chris Clarance (Ind, Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead) said the budget for the coming year was ‘a bit like the headmaster’s report – we can always do better’.

Council leader Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh) said that of 383 councils across the country, Teignbridge was one of only 35 that are debt-free.

Households in Teignbridge pay council tax bills which include not only the district council’s share, but also money for Devon County Council, various town and parish councils, police and fire services.

Of every pound collected in Teignbridge, just 11p goes to the district council.

‘We are in a good position,’ said Cllr Keeling. ‘I think we provide an excellent service which is delivering for Teignbridge residents.’