Smaller tax rise promise

WATLINGTON parish council wants to avoid another large increase in its share of council tax next year.

Tony Williamson, who chairs the finance committee, told a council meeting that he wanted to stick with the present budget and maintain services.

 The council increased its precept by almost 14 per cent from April 1  following a 15 per cent rise the previous year. This means the owner of a typical band D property now pays £105.37 annually for local services.

The council said the increase would help protect services when Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council were making cuts.