Devon council tax warning

Firefighters pay demands "will squeeze budget"

Senior Devon councillors are warning of big council tax rises next year, with cuts in services.

They warn percentage rises are likely to run into double figures - well ahead of inflation.

And they say a big pay increase for firefighters would put even more pressure on the authority.

Already councillors are warning of possible cuts in the number of police officers.

Funding for pupils is lower than average

County council deputy leader Brian Greenslade said: "I expect there will be some degree of cutbacks.

"There will be above inflation rises in council tax.

"Our job is to strike a balance between the needs for public services and their ability to pay."

Council tax payers have faced rises above inflation in recent years.

Spending squeeze

In Torbay bills have risen 58% in five years.

In North, West and East Devon and Exeter council tax has risen by 57%, over the same period.

The squeeze on spending has prompted a number of warnings about cuts in services.

Mr Greenslade said in October there could be a reduction in the number of police officers.

Pay dispute

Earlier this month it was revealed that pupils in the county received £195 less a year than the national average.

The council warns the firefighters' pay dispute could lead to further demands on council tax payers.

Firefighters are calling for increased pay of 40%.

In Devon that would cost £12.5m, on top of a yearly fire budget of £36m, says the council.