MALDON residents will pay more council tax after councillors voted for an increase.

Maldon District Council will increase its portion of the council tax budget by 1.95 per cent.

The rise falls short of the two per cent needed to trigger a referendum among the district’s voters.

It comes as the council has to find savings of £1.4million before the end of the decade in order to close the budget gap.

In 2016/17 its core grant from Government is expected to be reduced by 20 per cent.

The increase, which was voted through by councillors last week, will see average Band D council tax rise to £182.37 per household –arise of about 7p a week.

Last year Maldon District Council increased tax by 1.5 per cent.

In her budget speech Leader Miriam Lewis said: “At £3.12 per week, a rise of 5p a week on the current charge, for someone living in a Band C property, I believe the portion of council tax paid to this authority represents excellent value for money considering the wide range of good quality facilities and services we provide.

“This is a budget that demonstrates our commitment for not only supporting our citizens now but also to preparing Maldon for the future as we will have to continue to navigate significant local and national issues into the coming years.

“This is not a budget for jam today and no bread tomorrow.”

Ms Lewis said work would be starting on next year’s budget early to ensure the best way forward.

She added: “In this district, despite the challenging financial environment, I truly believe we have much to appreciate and we should embrace our good fortune at every opportunity.”