PORTLANDERS are being invited to a public meeting to discuss the island’s huge council tax precept increase.

The meeting is not a consultative event but rather an opportunity for councillors to explain the thinking behind their decision to hike up the precept.

Portland Town Council decided at a meeting on Wednesday night to increase the island precept. It means its share of the bill for a Band D property will rise from around £14 a year to £150 – an increase of almost 1,000 per cent.

The move will generate more than £500,000 for the town council to spend on the island.

It was decided at the council meeting that a public meeting should be held to explain to the public why the decision had been reached and the implications it will have for the island.

Town council clerk Ian Looker said the date and venue for that meeting had now been agreed. It will be at All Saints Church, Easton, at 7pm on Monday, January 27. All are welcome.