ANDOVER residents will see their council tax rise by £5 after the borough council approved its 2022/23 budget.

A rise of 3.4 per cent has been given the green light, meaning a Band D property will now pay £153.91 a year, a spike of £5.

However, for most residents this will be “more than offset” by a government contribution of £150 discount for Band A - D households, with a discretionary fund for others, the council leader has said.

At a meeting of Test Valley Borough Council on Friday (February 25), councillors approved the recommended budget for the coming year, with 25 votes for and eight absentions.

This was followed by unanimous approval of the new council tax rate.

READ MORE: Test Valley Borough Council to announce rise in council tax

The council says that the tax paid goes towards a variety of services, including waste collections, maintaining the borough’s parks and open spaces, housing and homelessness, environmental health, managing benefits and grants, planning, licensing, economic development, leisure and supporting local communities.

It also goes towards major projects, such as the regeneration of Andover and Romsey town centres.

Speaking at the meeting, finance portfolio holder Cllr Maureen Flood said that “ongoing uncertainty” following the pandemic leaves councils in a difficult position, adding: “However, as a council we have weathered the storm better than most and this has provided us with a solid foundation to continue our services.”

She continued: “While council tax is collected by test Valley, only about 7 to 8 per cent is allocated to us. The charge still represents excellent value for money, and it will be some £40 lower than the average equivalent charge across England.

“TVBC is known for our agility and resilience. These skills will be tested again over the coming year, and I feel confident that they will not be found lacking.”

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