COUNCIL tax will be increased this year despite the financial climate, the town council has announced.

Residents in Band D households will see the town council's share of their tax bill rise by 50p to £33.30.

The authority says its proportion of a Band D bill has only risen by 21p in the last three years, and that financial burdens on the council has left reserves running low.

But it's a double blow for residents after Surrey County Council announced last week that it is set to go against government advice and increase its proportion of the levy by 2.99 per cent in April – more than £34 for a Band D household.

Defending Horley Town Council's move, vice chairman Richard Olliver said: "This council will continue to fight the effects of inflation on the town element of local rates.

"The town council is very aware that, in the current recession, everyone is feeling the pressures on their finances.

"We have endeavoured to make as many savings as we can within town budgets and will try to find more savings through the coming year."

Residents still pay more than other Reigate and Banstead council taxpayers to cover the services of Horley Town Council, whose total expenditure last year was £364,094.

The "precept" information released by the town council shows its administration, and the maintenance of the parks and town centre, account for nearly two-thirds of expenditure.

Cllr Olliver said the cost of all future projects, and existing ones, will be weighed up against their benefit to the town.

For full details visit www.horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk