Witney Town Council is set to increase it's precept, costing residents an extra 85 pence a month for services.

The town council's portion of the council tax has effectively decreased since 2022 due to a 20 per cent inflation rate outpacing the rate of precept increase.

After budget discussions for the fiscal year of 2024/25, councillors settled on a 6.1 per cent increase during their meeting on January 8, 2024.

Cllr Ruth Smith, leader of Witney Town Council, said: "I am immensely proud of our councillors and staff team for having the finances in such good shape, with ambitious plans for Witney's facilities.

"Witney residents will see the impact of the precept - with investment in new sports and cafe at the Leys, at the West Witney Sports and Social Clubhouse, with enhancements at the Lake and Country Park, our youth services and the continued growth of the Corn Exchange as an arts centre and hub.

"With inflation so high throughout 2023, when the precept was frozen, we do need to raise it this year to cover costs and continue to offer great services, that inspire, exercise and serve our community."

By April, homeowners with a Band D property should expect to pay about £177 per year for local services, £10.17 more than the year before.

The precept serves as the council's primary income source, funding projects ranging from community grants to infrastructure maintenance.

The town council has promised to use this income boost to reinvest in its services and satisfy its residents' needs effectively.