A TOWN council has announced there will be no increase to its share of the Council Tax for the next financial year.

Members of Chickerell Town Council approved a draft budget for the coming year at their Full Council meeting on January 12.

The precept refers to the town council's share of the council tax paid by residents and is used to maintain local services including play areas, open spaces, cemeteries, allotments and community development.

The town council’s precept for 2021/22 will be £155,815 which works out at £75.70 for a Band D property, just £1.45 per week.

The full council tax bill, which will include charges from Dorset Council, police and other authorities, has not yet been finalised.

Cllr John Mogg, Mayor of Chickerell, said: "We're very aware these are difficult times for our residents.

"With this in mind we've unanimously approved a budget that allows us to continue providing important community development, including projects which we hope to progress this year, while ensuring there's no increase to the precept charge for the coming year."