COUNCIL tax in Salisbury will stay at the same level for another year after plans were backed by civic chiefs.

This means residents will continue to pay £208 a year – for a Band D home, to Salisbury City Council, as they have been doing since April 2018.

However, most locals will be charged the Band C rate of £184.91, as this is the bracket which makes up most of the city.

In total, council tax is expected to bring in £3,064,133 for the authority in the 2020/21 financial year, members of Full Council were told on Monday night.

This charge is in addition to Wiltshire Council’s tax, which is tabled to rise by 1.99% for Band D homes to £1,485.86 – an increase of £28.99.

The rise will be debated by councillors next Tuesday.

As well as this, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon’s precept has proposed a £12 Band D-rise to £218.

Residents will also have to pay to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, which will reveal it’s 2020/21 rate soon.

Speaking at the city council meeting in the Guildhall earlier this week, Councillor Simon Jackson, finance chairman, said: “The budget is designed to be as balanced as it can be.

“It continues to provide all the services that Salisbury residents have come to love and enjoy over the last few years.

“I think the budget is well balanced and I’m happy to propose it.”

The document was approved by all but two of the 23 members, who abstained from the vote.

However, despite supporting the budget during the vote, Councillor Matt Dean warned that “radical” change is needed if the council is to become more sustainable.

“I’m very concerned about the problem that this council will be in in five years time, if we do not start preparing for it now,” he said.

Cllr Dean suggested that the authority should look to expand its property portfolio.

He added: “If we do nothing, it will mean our successors will have to raise the precept significantly.”