Council taxpayers in south Oxfordshire will pay at least £1 a week extra on their homes during the coming year.

The Liberal Democrat and Labour coalition that runs the district council approved a £12.2m budget.

The tax rate for an average home, in Band D, will rise to £860, up from the current £803, but the actual amount paid within south Oxfordshire will vary as parish and town councils have made different demands.

The opposition Conservative group criticised the rise as too heavy.

Member Rodney Mann said the tax increase was too much as it was three times the two per cent rate of inflation.

He proposed a £12m budget but was outvoted.

Council leader Cllr Jan Morgan said: "I am satisfied that this is a good budget for the residents of south Oxfordshire.

"Some of the increase is due to the rise in the cost of homelessness and waste collection.

"The rest is to go on extra services for the countryside, the arts, on energy efficiency, community safety, tourism and green issues."

Ten villages have levied no precept at all and will pay the basic council tax.

Topping the totals this year is Thame, where Band D taxpayers face bills of £946 - up from £890.