A SPECIAL meeting of Skegness Town Council is to be held on Friday to give councillors more time to determine the precept for this year's council tax.

At a meeting on Wednesday, councillors were supplied with figures which would relate to an 8.03 percent rise, or an increase of £2.28 over the year on a Council Tax Band 'D' property.

The subject sparked much discussion amongst members, some of which felt the rise should be no more than two percent with others wishing to see fuller figures for a previously suggested 26 percent increase.

Cllr Dick Edgington said: "Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council will have to make stringent cuts in order to balance their books and as a consequence this council has really no option but to show financial prudence. Personally I would not support a rate increase above two percent."

Some councillors felt that there was a need for the council to try and rebuild its reserves back up after a large amount was used to cover the costs of the Sunshine play area and with some members wishing to see the budget details of a 26 percent rise, previously mentioned at a meeting of the management committee.

Cllr Phil Kemp described this year's precept decision as "one of the hardest decisions on budget we have had to make since I have been on this council".

Members will meet on Friday January 15 to discuss the different rate increases in more depth. Their decision needs to be put to ELDC by the end of January.

The Town Council's precept is for their share of the council tax bill. ELDC, LCC and the Lincolnshire Police Authority will all be setting their own precepts shortly.