WELLINGTON Town Council will increase its council tax precept for the next financial year, it was decided at a meeting.

Councillors decided to raise the precept by three per cent, equating to an increase of £1.22 a year, when they discussed the 2018/19 budget, bringing Band D for the town’s portion of the council tax to £41.62.

Eight councillors voted in favour of the plans and three against.

The budget shows the council has reserves of £316,834 and predicted spending for the next financial year is £224,404.43.

Most councillors felt the precept should be increased so money would be available if the council continues to take on responsibility for services from Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council.

The council voted to increase councillors’ allowances by 40 per cent. The allowance covers items such as stationery and travel expenses.

It was also agreed that the community warden’s hours would be increased from two days a week to three.