Tavistock has to deal with among the most stringent limitations on its ability to carry out building energy-saving measures — critical during the current surge in prices because most of its buildings are listed.

Residents are warned the levy imposed by Tavistock Town Council onto their overall council tax bills is likely to be higher for 2023/2024, in common with other authorities.

This rise is especially because of an unprecedented rise in insurance and energy costs. Gas and electricity have risen about four times — and accompanied by a previous loss of income of £400,000 due to the pandemic, largely due to loss of business trading licence charges, mostly from the enforced pannier market closures and outside traders. Fortunately, most businesses did survive the effects of the pandemic, although some remain under stress.

Carl Hearn, council town clerk said: ‘The council, along with so many residents and businesses, faces major increases in costs. For example the cost of insurance has increased from approximately £26,000 to £76,000 per year and, because of long-term contracts coming to an end, anticipated energy costs are increasing from approaching £50,000 per year to a projected £190,000.

‘This represents a potential net increase of £140,000 over last year. The figures used are projected and although from more than two years ago, are the most realistically comparable figures. This year’s figures are from a newly-tendered contract and last year was not comparable due to covid — with buildings closed and other construction work continuing. These, together with other inflationary pressures, will be reviewed as part of the annual autumn budget setting process.’

In doing so, the council will be looking at how to address the shortfall between costs and income to set the precept. The full implications are yet to be identified and the council is understood to be looking at a range of options including further savings and efficiencies, reviewing fees, charges and services, and exploring the availability of grants and loans.

Mr Hearn said: ‘We were in the top one per cent of councils in terms of income lost due to covid. Now inflationary pressures are hitting the public in the same way as councils and some form of increase in the precept is likely, unless the government intervenes with a support scheme for the sector. However, over the next few months the council will look at all its options to both balance the budget and minimise the impact of these inflationary pressures on the community.’