Chippenham Town Council has increased the precept by 3.2 per cent.

The amount paid by Chippenham residents will now increase by 70p per month or £8.39 per annum for a band D council taxpayer, at last week’s full council meeting.

A town council spokesman said that it has made every effort to contain costs brough on by the pressures of Covid-19.

Leader of the town council, Sandie Webb said: “It is vital we make long term plans for the future sustainability of Chippenham Town Council.

“This is a fair budget which ensures we can continue to support our community and Town Centre well into the future so it can thrive.”

The town council says it does not receive funding from Wiltshire Council or central government and therefore said it relies on the precept to keep its services going.

A spokesman for the town council said costs have mounted from keeping the town safe and clean.

“The council has kept public toilets open and maintained our parks, open spaces and play areas which are now being used more than ever,” they added.

Cllr Jenny Budgell, chairman of the finance working party said: “It has been an extremely complex process to set the budget in these challenging times.

“We have considered all facets of what might happen in the next year and ensured the impact on our residents is as minimal as it can be.”