Warminster Town Council has agreed to raise the precept by 8.52 per cent. 

From the next financial year, residents in Warminster will see a rise in their precept following a vote at last night’s full council meeting.

The town council was recommended to approve a precept of £1,275,599 for 2021/22. This represents an increase of £94,933 (8.04 per cent) to maintain a balanced budget.

This means the precept for an equivalent Band D property will rise by £16.32 for the year or an equivalent weekly increase of 31p. 

It was pointed out by Cllr Tony Nicklin that the report showed the council failed to keep three months expenditure in its reserves – a financial obligation of the local authority.

He then proposed an amendment, to the effect that the council should keep to these obligations, as well as conducting a forward plan.

The amendment was seconded by Cllr Denis Brett but fell short on a vote of five in favour and six against. 

Voting for the original proposal of increasing the precept by 8.52 per cent, councillors voted with eight in favour and three against.