Eyewatering and indefensible.

Frome town council gas confirmed that it is raising the precept by 29 per cent. In a meeting that Nub Nubs could not get into only one councillor voted against the steep rise which has been heavily criticised by residents for being totally out of touch with real lives of people in Frome.

The council has calculated that the increase is £1.21 a week for a Band D home. But there is also an increase agreed last week for policing. That too is way over inflation, at six per cent and will add £13 a year for a Band D property across the county.

Somerset has also warned it will have to increase its share of council tax with critical budget meetings this week.

Frome Town Council insists it needs to protect services that the community holds dear.

The councillor who voted against the increase was Cllr Fiona Barrows who is reported as saying: " It is very important (to residents) to know not all councillors feel the same.. there are so many people in Frome struggling right now."

Commenting on the rise, one resident said A 29% increase in any tax was just ridiculous.

Frome Town Council was at the poorly attending town wassail on Saturday, image Frome Nub News

The Council, which says it needs the funding to protect town services for all, has admitted it now has more staff than ever .