FARNHAM Town Council's demand on council tax payers will remain largely unchanged, with band D properties set to pay £40.76 a year - an increase of 99 pence from last year.

At the full town council meeting last Thursday, members congratulated Peter Hornsby, chairman of the finance and general purposes committee, for successfully increasing reserves.

The council's budget has increased by 40 per cent over the last four years to £835,216 and the council tax precept to £673,732.

Victor Scrivens said: "The tax has only increased slightly, in line with inflation. We have been able to use the money we have in reserves to cover a number of services in the town, so that tax costs to residents are kept down. I am relieved that we are united in supporting this budget and it has generated a full cross party support."

Willie Marshall said: "When the Liberal Democrats took over there were no reserves and we didn't know if we'd have sufficient money for everything. The Conservatives used all the reserves to bolster the precept. I must congratulate Councillor Hornsby on this excellent budget."

However, Waverley Borough Council came under fire, for what was felt to be a failure on its part to invest in facilities and services in the town.

Mr Scrivens said: "The town council has had to take even greater responsibility on issues affecting Farnham because Waverley Borough Council is failing to look after a number of services in the town such as the CAB.

"We have been left having to find the money to look after it, as well as the cemeteries because they have been neglected."

In response, Waverley leader David Harmer said: "Once the current discussions regarding the transfer of Farnham cemeteries to the town council has been completed, which will put Farnham on a par with the rest of the borough, we would like to talk to the towns and parishes about extending the principle of subsidiarity to other services.

"This would enable each town and parish to decide for itself what level of service it wanted to administer itself, but to be able to call on Waverley expertise for advice and guidance if needed. We believe this is the way forward."