COUNCIL tax payers in West Devon will pay an extra 7p a week for an average band D property. The council says it has made the increase in order to protect frontline services.

A cut in formula grant from central government and the effects of inflation means the council is facing a budget gap of £355,000 for 2013/14. 

The council's resources committee last week proposed that the West Devon share of the council tax for an average band D property would be £200.69 in the coming financial year – an increase of 1.9%.

The council takes 12p in every pound of the total council tax collected — the rest of the money goes to Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service along with town and parish councils.

Leader of the borough council Cllr Philip Sanders, who is also chairman of the resources committee, said: 'This has been a hard decision. The Government settlement was more painful than anticipated and we have reluctantly opted for a small increase in council tax. 

'This will allow us to safeguard the frontline services residents value most and freeze car parking charges for the third year in a row. We are continuing to identify savings and have currently found more than £304,000 worth for 2013/14.'

Along with many other district authorities, the council is planning not to take advantage of the Government's council tax freeze grant which is being offered as a two-year package. 

Cllr Sanders said: 'We could not accept the freeze grant without affecting the future viability of the council's budget. This year is tough, but the planned settlement for the following year is even tougher so we must plan ahead now. 

'Over the next four years, we will need to find £2-million of savings from a budget of £7.5-million.

'Although I recognise the impact on council tax payers of even the smallest increase to bills, we have to think about the long term.'

The recommendation now goes before a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, February 12.