AN increase in the precept of £38,486 has been agreed by Launceston Town Council.It is an increase of 9.7%.

It will mean a £13.92 rise to £158.10 per annum for a band D property, or 43p a day.

The budget for 2016-17 was also agreed at last week’s meeting of the full town council.

Cllr Paul O’Brien said: “I think overall the increase isn’t that bad when you read local Cornish papers and some are talking a 90%-plus increase. I don’t know what has led to that so I’m not making a direct comparison.”

Mayor Cllr Brian Hogan expressed thanks to the town clerk and accounts manager for the ‘horrendous’ amount of work, adding: “We really do appreciate it.”