Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has set its Council Tax bill for the year beginning April 1.

The borough's own element of the tax will rise by 2.7%, which for an average house in Band D is an increase of £4.99 a year.

The official rate of inflation in January 2021 was 0.9%.

In addition, residents will have to pay increases for the other elements of the council tax bill - for KCC, the police, the fire service and for adult social care, which will take the total bill for a Band D property to £1,967.73 - an increase of 4.9% over last year, or an extra £91.91.

The borough's finance portfolio holder Cllr Tom Dawlings said the coronavirus pandemic had adversely affected the council’s financial position, with income down £3m. Extra Government support had made up for only three-quarters of the loss.

Cllr Dawlings said: "Despite the difficult financial position imposed on the council, our controlled use of reserves has enabled a balanced budget to be achieved.

"The council continues to provide a diverse range of services at an estimated annual cost of £66.6m and is always looking for further efficiencies and cost savings."

Read more: All the latest news from Weald

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells