KINGSTEIGNTON residents living in a Band D property will pay an extra £1.11 per week as the town council approves its 2026/27 budget.

Kingsteignton Town Council approved its budget for the forthcoming year at £695,552.

This year, the council aims to invest in local facilities, community safety and culture.

Projects include acquiring the Fountain toilet block from Teignbridge District Council and improving the current facilities; improving and adding to the town’s CCTV; introducing new Vehicle Activated Speed Signs to local hot spots; £52,000 in community grants to support local groups; maintaining the budget for year-round events programme.

This is funded by a £642,252 precept — an increase of £1.11 more per week for a Band D household.

While Mayor Cllr Dave Ripping recognised that any increases in the precept for Kingsteignton would be unwelcome, having followed two years of very modest increases, the council now has opportunities to improve the facilities and services in the town.

Cllr Ripping said: ‘As part of the Local Government Review, we have taken the opportunity to acquire and improve the Fountain Toilet block for the community.

‘It has long needed a refresh and we will be maintaining this facility on an ongoing basis.

‘We will also be looking to improve the safety in our community, with new Speeding Signs and more better CCTV cameras, in more locations too!

‘Over the past two years, we have had to draw on our Reserves to cover essential running costs.

‘To protect the community’s long term interests, we now need to begin rebuilding those reserves.

‘Operating with little financial buffer—especially in uncertain times—would fall short of our duty to residents.

‘We recognise that the cost of living continues to place pressure on many households and we do not take this decision lightly.

‘Our responsibility is to ensure Kingsteignton Town Council remains financially secure and able to provide the services our community relies on’.