A TOWN council has agreed to raise its precept by nearly a third.

Barnard Castle Town Council is to put up its annual precept by £12,525, which will bring the total precept up to £50,500 from £37,975.

Previously the town clerk, Geoff Bosworth, worked from his home in Darlington, and the majority of the extra money is to cover the costs of an office based in Barnard Castle and a part-time administrative assistant.

Councillors said the extra investment would enable the council to carry its duties more efficiently and competently.

However, Councillor Newton Wood said: "This is adding a lot of additional costs, but is it providing any additional value?

"I feel that this amount is far too much to be accepted by local residents, who would not see that they're getting anything for it.

"I would not be able to sell this to people in my ward."

The council heard that although this was a large increase, the precept had only risen eight per cent over the past three years.

This rise would mean a Band D property would have to pay an extra £7.09 a year. The town mayor, Councillor John Watson said: "What residents do appreciate is the extent to which Barnard Castle is being put upon.

"It's got to change."

Councillor Pam Grunwell added: "This precept is an attempt to put right a situation that has been perpetuated for a number of years.

"There's nowhere where councillors can go and establish an administrative base. We will, in future, be able to provide improved services and possibly extend the services we provide.

"We need to make this investment in order to improve."

The decision to raise the precept was carried by five votes to one.