LOCAL government minister Don Foster MP has praised West Devon Borough Council for its efforts in saving money and working efficiently.

Speaking from London via a video link, Mr Foster told the leader of the borough council Philip Sanders that the local authority is an 'exemplar of good practice'.

During the meeting last Wednesday, Cllr Sanders drew the minister's attention to the key challenges facing the borough council following the recent announcement of the 2013/14 financial settlement.

Mr Foster thanked the council for bringing the difficulties to his attention, and confirmed that a significant number of other rural authorities are reporting similar issues.

The council's 2013/14 Formula Grant is being cut by Central Government to £2.901-million — a reduction of 2.48%.

It means the borough council will have a deficit of around £355,000 for the coming financial year.

Cllr Sanders, said: 'Mr Foster agreed to look carefully at the points I raised although he stressed that changes for 2013/14 were unlikely at this stage.

'However, he was more optimistic about the prospect of change for 2014/15.'