ROSS-on-Wye town councillors have overturned its own recommendation to increase its element of the council tax precept, down from 10 per cent to eight per cent.

At last month’s Ross Town Council’s finance sub-committee meeting members debated two options –a five per increase or a ten per cent increase on the Band D amount for 2026/2027 were discussed with members voting to recommend a 10 per cent increase to full council.

But at the Town Council’s recent full meeting, the precept increase for the coming financial year was decided at eight per cent - overturning its own recommendation.

Cllr Julian Utting said: “In reality, having evaluated the proposed budget, we only need an eight per cent increase to meet all our commitments.”

Cllr Milly Boylan told members that the sub-committee had already had this discussion, and she didn’t think the council should override the decision made by members.

Cllr Daniel Lister said that he didn’t think a 10 per cent increase was enough in light of Herefordshire Council’s impending cuts.

He added: “We offer good value package as a council, but is good value is of any use when residents want more to be done to improve the town?

In a statement issued after the meeting Cllr Utting said: “Having completed the final budgeting documents, an eight per cent increase was enough to complete all costed plans for the next financial year.

“The Liberal Democrats chose to ask residents for the amount needed to complete those tasks without adding to reserves, which are already well within recommended levels.

“Excessive reserves can prevent the town council obtaining grant funding from outside bodies.

“Grants have recently help fund play equipment and the restoration of the market house.

“Conversations with residents have told us they are still struggling with bills and the Liberal Democrats don’t want to impose extra costs when they are not necessary.”