It is a year or two since Owl reported on vocal disagreements in Honiton TC, though it does seem to have “Form” for walkouts and even mass resignations. [Search: Honton goings on]

Cllr. Joanne Fotheringham has just issued this press release:

HONITON TOWN COUNCILLOR RESIGNS IN PROTEST AT 50% INCREASE IN PRECEPT

Honiton Town Councillor Joanne Fotheringham has resigned from Honiton Town Council in protest at what she describes as “its speculative and poorly considered approach to public expenditure”.

Cllr Fotheringham said her decision follows growing concern over the Council’s financial direction, particularly its proposal to increase the council tax precept by 49.90%

This takes the precept from £667,545 to £1,000,645 which represents £243.43 per annum per Band D equivalent property, an increase of £81.03.

“I can no longer support the direction in which the Council is headed,” she said. “A 50% rise in the council tax precept is indefensible and reflects a hasty, back‑of‑an‑envelope response to uncertainty over Local Government Reorganisation, rather than a responsible, long‑term plan.”

She criticised the Council’s decision to allocate £120,000 for legal and other fees for Local Government Reorganisation, despite a reduction in the number of potential asset transfers, describing the fund as “increasingly resembling a slush fund for the Transitional Committee.”

Cllr Fotheringham also cited wider concerns about poor planning, pressure on council staff, and the misuse of public resources for exclusive events such as the Mayor’s Charity Ball.

She expressed particular frustration at the Council’s refusal to hold an open tender process for the Beehive lease, despite legal advice supporting it — a move she said “preserved the status quo and excluded alternative bids that might have better served the community.”

“Honiton deserves a council that serves its people honestly, efficiently, and with a sense of purpose grounded in financial and practical reality.” Cllr Fotheringham said. “Sadly, I no longer believe this Council meets that standard.”

Cllr Fotheringham concluded by thanking Council staff, praising their professionalism, dedication and good humour under difficult circumstances.”