THE New Homes Bonus is to be taken off the table, Holsworthy Town Council was told at its meeting recently.

Town and district councillor Jon Hutchings said he had been informed at a recent meeting and was disappointed to see the grant, which had proved useful to the people of Holsworthy in the past, go.

Cllr Hutchings said: “The New Homes Bonus has been taken out of next year’s budget. I have asked for it to be put back but only a few councillors agreed with me so it is to be taken away — we were outnumbered. It’s a shame because it helped a lot of people, especially around here.”

Following the meeting Cllr Claire Hodson, Torridge District Council’s lead member for internal resources, said: “The Government have signalled that 2020/21 will be the last year of the New Homes Bonus scheme with a replacement scheme due to be introduced in 2021/22 following consultation. In the meantime Torridge Council will continue to maintain the £72,000 member grant allowances, which in recent years has provided a larger pot than the new homes bonus due to reducing numbers of new housing being built out.

“The New Homes Bonus grants scheme will remain under review while we await more information from the Government and no decision has yet been taken as to how this will be taken forward in the interim.”