RESIDENTS in Trowbridge won’t face an increase in their council tax for the next year as the town council was able to work to its current budget despite facing cuts from County Hall.

At Tuesday’s full council meeting, it was recommended by the policy and resources committee that they approve a net precept of £1,490,276.

This means that there is no change to the Band D council tax charge of £139.64 which is less than £2.69 per week.

It was also announced at the meeting that Wiltshire Council’s support grant had been reduced to £16,898 from £93,876 which it was given in last year’s budget.

It is anticipated that this grant will reduce to zero next year.

Cllr Bob Brice, who chairs the policy and resources committee meeting, said: “I am pleased to present the budget which, despite us continuing all of our projects, we have managed to reduce the revenue expenditure budget resulting in a zero per cent increase which I’m sure you will be happy with.

“There has also been a reduction in the grant from Wiltshire Council which we have managed to cover.”

In addition to the council tax announcement, councillors were also shown that the town council, while working with these financial restraints, was able to contribute £30,000 to its general reserves.

It was also able to set aside £35,000 in its budget to support various projects.

Cllr Peter Fuller spoke at the meeting following the recommendation to approve the new budget.

He added: “In light of all the other people who contributed towards our council tax this year, that is Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Police and the fire brigade, it is extremely pleasing that we are able to keep our expenses and demands on the public as they were last year and I must say I applaud that and I hope with very small inflation, we will be doing the same next year.”