Brightlingsea Town Council has voted to increase its council tax precept for 2021/22 by 3%.

The precept – the amount included in overall council tax bills to cover the running of the town council – means that the council expects to raise £186,806 from 2,867 households Brightlingsea. The contribution from a Band D property – the middle band – will be £65.15.

The town council voted through the increase at an extraordinary meeting on January 12. In February, Tendring District Council will vote on proposals to increase its share of the council tax take by an average of £5 in 2021. The proposed increase – supported by the council's cabinet – would mean that Tendring's share of a Band D property’s council tax will rise from £172.64 to £177.64.

Essex County Council has frozen council tax for the coming year, but the adult social care precept will rise by 1.5%. That means Band D households will pay just under £20 more.

Currently, the council tax charges for households in Brightlingsea are:

• Band A – 1,211.59
• Band B – 1,413.52
• Band C – 1,615.45
• Band D – 1,817.38
• Band E – 2,221.24
• Band F – 2,625.10
• Band G – 3,028.97
• Band H – 3,634.76