COUNCILLORS will restart discussions tomorrow evening amid anger over Portland’s massive council tax precept hike.

They are expected to start budget talks again and set a new precept.

A decision in January to increase the precept by 1,000 per cent for a Band D property with no consultation has led to an island backlash. There were angry scenes at a public meeting on January 27 as calls were made for councillors to resign.

A Portland Town Council meeting to discuss budget matters was due to be held last week but was postponed due to the island being hit by severe weather and the fact that town clerk Ian Looker couldn’t make it onto the island.

The meeting has been rescheduled for tomorrow - Tuesday evening - and a proposal will be put forward for the council to rescind all decisions made about the budget and start again.

Mayor of Portland Les Ames said: “The meeting will include the usual public half hour in which members of the public may put forward questions and comments. A written petition will also be presented.

“The remainder of the meeting will follow the published agenda with council members debating relevant issues.

“Additional public address equipment will be provided to allow the public to follow the debate.”

The meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, February 11 at All Saints Church, Easton, Portland.