Frome Town Council has set the budget for 2020/2021 with an increase in the council tax of the equivalent of 58 pence a week for a Band D home.

However in delivering the costs and financial plans, the council was quick to stress that the majority of homes in Frome, 77 per cent are in Bands A-C, so will pay less than this.

This year Frome households who do have a Band D home paid an annual council tax bill of £154.46. This coming year, that will increase by £30.19 to £184.66.

Also in the financial details, the council is increasing its reserves to to £204,000 up from £180, 000 stating: " There are some things that we cannot plan for but need to to pay for ; such as emergency works required on the Town Hall or trees falling over in the storm."

The financial report at last night Frome Town Council meeting (January 23) began with an outline of what they are planning to do in the coming year, from hiring workers, including a new business administration apprentice along with a part-time tree project officer, to expanding community help and play schemes.

Councillors were told that Frome was " Not doing the usual" and has in place a four year plan of action, including actions to make the whole town carbon neutral by 2030. In infrastructure terms the council will be instigating the second phase of work in the market place, restoring the cafe and toilets in Victoria Park and building a bridge to link up Edmund Park and the station.

It was stated the officers a collection of " Big Asks which are a reflection of our ambitions."

It was a full program for the year, and years ahead, with the aim of making " A positive and inclusive town where no one gets left behind."

Other news :

- Plans to ensure that people who want to study or train or return to education do not have to go to other towns for return-to-learning courses - they will be offered in Frome

- A big business event run in conjunction with the Frome Chamber of Commerce in October

- Hiring a new part-time town ranger

- A return of Fiver Fest, the event where local retailers offer shoppers the opportunity to buy a discounted item in return for supporting independent shops

- Expanding the work exchange program to bring in students from Frome's other twinned towns

For full details and a break down of the budget along with the agenda from last night, hit the red button.

The budget was approved unanimously.The next Town Council meeting is the Planning Advisory Group on January 30.