ALCESTER Town Council has announced that it will be increasing its portion of the council tax precept by four per cent for the next tax year from 2014 to 2015.

Councillors voted unanimously for the rise after two years of the precept staying the same, but councillors felt that they should take into account inflation, the new government pensions scheme and the proposed increase in the minimum wage, when it came to paying staff as well as maintaining services.

Alcester mayor Mark Cargill, said: “Alcester Town Council gives excellent value for money, providing many services not just for the citizens of the town but also the neighbouring parishes from which there is no contribution.

“This is a standstill precept, but allows services to be maintained at their high level, and is the equivalent to £4 per year per household.”

The final council tax bill for the coming year will be made up of precepts from Warwickshire County Council, which includes Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Stratford District Council, the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and the individual parish councils for each area.