Councillors in Gillingham have voted for a 3.43 percent increase in the precept for next year, which is below the current rate of inflation of around 4 percent.

At a meeting on Monday night the town council agreed on a precept – the amount the council needs to raise from residents to meet its budget – of £1,055.557.

The council’s total budget for the next financial year – when projected incomes are included – is just under £1.1 million.

The precept rise will mean Gillingham’s residents paying an extra £4.46 a year for the town’s services, based on a Band D property.

The bulk of the council tax – towards which the Gillingham precept contributes – goes towards Dorset Council’s services.