Exeter council tax: How much bills could rise after tonight's budget vote

Exeter City Councillors are due to meet at 6pm tonight to vote on budget proposals that could see total Band D council tax bills rise to £2,495.36.

The meeting at the Guildhall will determine whether to approve a 2.99 per cent increase in the city’s portion of the precept. If passed, the total annual bill for a Band D household would increase by £109.91 (5.01 per cent), following earlier hikes approved by Devon County Council and emergency services.

Under the 2026/27 draft budget, the city’s share of the tax would rise by £5.55 a year; roughly 11p per week, bringing the Exeter-specific charge to £191.31.

However, the city council’s portion accounts for only 7.6 per cent of the final bill. The total figure of £2,495.36 is reached when combined with the requirements of other authorities:

• Devon County Council: £1,891.17
• Police & Crime Commissioner: £303.20
• Exeter City Council: £191.31
• Devon & Somerset Fire: £109.68

The debate in Exeter follows a decision by Devon County Council to approve a 4.99 per cent increase in its share of council tax, including the adult social care precept. 

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The rise was agreed at the budget meeting of Devon County Council held on February 24, with county leaders citing rising demand in adult social care, children’s services and special educational needs provision, alongside inflationary pressures.

Devon has also warned that the Government’s latest local government funding settlement continues a long-term shift away from central grant funding, placing greater reliance on council tax to maintain frontline services. 

Councils are permitted to increase council tax by up to 4.99 per cent, including the adult social care precept, without triggering a local referendum.

City council officers say inflation and rising operational costs are the main financial pressures behind the proposed 2.99 per cent increase in Exeter. 

The additional income would be used to help fund the range of statutory and discretionary services delivered by the authority, including housing, environmental services, leisure facilities, planning and support for vulnerable residents.

The budget setting process is taking place against a wider national debate about council tax levels. 

The TaxPayers’ Alliance has said that 29 councils across England which have postponed local elections are collectively set to raise an additional £121 million in council tax next year, arguing that increases in those areas amount to “taxation without representation”.

Exeter City Council is not among the authorities reported to have cancelled elections, with city polls due to proceed as scheduled. 

Councillors will debate the proposals this evening, consider any amendments and vote on whether to approve the 2026/27 budget. 

A statement from the Leader of Exeter City Council is expected following the meeting. If approved, the new council tax rates would take effect from April.