PORTLANDERS will be able to have their say on what the council tax precept should be next year.

Members of Portland Town Council’s Finance and Resources Committee met on Wednesday night to approve a set of questions that will be included as part of a consultation process.

As part of a survey, residents will be asked whether the council should introduce measures preparing for the future. If they say yes, they’ll be asked what increase in the precept they would find acceptable.

An increase of 30p per annum at Band D is used as an example, which would approximately raise an additional £1,000.

The final question asks residents how the additional money should be prioritised.

Currently, the town council charges £15.02 per year for an average Band D property.

The council faced an island revolt earlier this year when it hiked up the precept by 1,000 per cent for 2014/15 – a move that was rescinded after a backlash.

A recent independent report commissioned by the council recommended raising the precept to £25 – half the national average for a town council.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Andy Matthews said: “The council is not bound by the survey. It’s up to the council to make a decision.

“It’s meant to be a short survey that will glean the mood of the community.

“The intention then would be to run that in January so that we have sufficient time to feed that in.

“We are just trying to get it out there so there’s an opportunity to comment. If nobody wants to comment, then that’s fine. We have given them an opportunity.”

Cllr Sandra Reynolds said: “I think it’s well put together. My question is how are you going to get people to respond because they have become so apathetic?”

Printed copies will be at recognised community areas, as well as the council offices and library. The survey will also be made available online, shared via the town council’s website and Facebook page.

Cllr Ian Munro-Price said he had concerns over the wording of the questions, suggesting the ‘30p’ figure might stick in people’s minds.

He added: “Hardly anyone is going to say that we shouldn’t look to the future.”

Cllr Glenn Chadwick suggested providing a variety of options for people to consider.

Cllr Matthews said: “I was trying to put the onus on them. The trouble is if you put a ‘£’ they will say, ‘What are you going to spend it on?’”

The majority of members agreed to the questions being used as they were as part of the consultation.

Mayor of Portland Cllr Rob Hughes said: “We need to get information out there quickly.”

The survey is expected to be available from the beginning of January. To keep track of updates, please visit www.portlandtowncouncil.co.uk