COUNCILLORS at Chippenham Town Council have agreed to raise their council tax by 2.75 per cent, hours after a proposed four per cent rise was announced by Wiltshire Council.

A counter proposal by Councillor Andy Phillips to limit the town council’s tax rise to just 1.75 per cent was defeated by 16 votes to four last night (Jan 27).

Liberal Democrat council leader, Desna Allen, proposed the 2.75 per cent rise following a recommendation from the Strategy and Resources committee.

It was passed by 14 votes in favour to four against and will mean a £4.19 rise for a Band D council tax property to £156.60 for the year.

Coun Allen said: “I am really disappointed to be facing what is in fact a counter proposal by Councillor Phillips.

“This process started last September and consideration was given to all the committees and a number of questions put to officers at that stage.

“It’s my belief this is a robust proposal. The ability for this council to retain a quality service for its residents will be sustained.”

Conservative Coun Phillips argued it was possible to have a smaller increase of 1.75 per cent and maintain the council’s general reserves by removing £36,550 from the Ear Marked Funds pot.

He said: “I still think from the point of view of the public anything above two per cent will not be very welcome.

"It’s interesting we would have £606k, more than under the other proposal, that can be drawn on in the future.”

Last night’s vote means that of the £968,000 available in the town’s general reserves, £101,161 will be used to cover the shortfall in their operational costs with £279,500 being set aside for ear marked funds.

The EMFs have been set aside to support future projects including taking over Monkton Park (£40k), the Neeld Phase Three Development (£50k) and Stanley Park developments (£34k).

This leaves the council, £18,661 below its general reserves target of 33 per cent – the upper limit suggested by the council’s auditors.