CREWE Town Council says it is providing value for money by setting a "lowest" precept rise which will see most council tax payers pay only £3.10 extra a year for services delivered by the authority.

Councillors, in approving their budget for 2021/22, compared the 5.98 per cent precept rise to that imposed by neighbouring Nantwich Town Council, which has slapped residents with a 42.5 per cent increase.

It means tax payers in Band A properties - the majority of Crewe town homes - will pay £3.10 more a year, while Band D properties will pay £4.66.

At their last full council meeting of 2020, councillors described their spending plans as "ambitious" and revealed they have set aside £100,000 to fund new play area improvements as well as funding and activities to support the regeneration of Crewe town centre through events and promotion.

There will also be improvements in the maintenance of public spaces to build on the success of the Town Ranger service.

To help set the budget savings have been found of 10 per cent in the office and administration of the council, so that funds can be funnelled into "more visible direct service delivery", such as events like Lumen, Traction and Remembrance.

Funding for community grants has been retained, which will provide community groups in Crewe with help towards activities that support young people, sports, culture and the most vulnerable.

The council says it is working with Cheshire East Council to tackle the scourge of street fly-tipping and residential waste issues by providing funding for greater enforcement as well as providing information for households on how to manage their waste and properly dispose of bulky items.

It is also committed to using mobile CCTV cameras to tackle anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.

The increase in spending on the Town Ranger service is aimed at maintaining the town's floral displays through and repairing and maintaining street furniture.

Crewe Town Council leader Jill Rhodes said said: "There has been a long process of setting the budget in town council, much debate in committees on the draft budget and we've thought very carefully about how we use our resources.

"We are proposing a small rise in the town council precept this year of 5.98 per cent, which is a rise of £3.10 per year for a Band A property, which is the majority of properties in Crewe.

"A Band D property will be £4.66 a year. This is less than 6p a week increase for a Band A and less than 10p a week for a Band D.

"This is the lowest increase in precept since the town council began to raise its precept and is in contrast to the substantial rise in council tax proposed by Nantwich Town Council, which is above 40 per cent.

"We are mindful this year has been difficult for residents and some are facing financial hardship. Covid-19 has made it difficult for everyone and we offer our sympathies to those residents who have lost loved ones.

"It is disappointing to the council and residents that our programme of events had to be cancelled, though the Christmas lights have given some cheer to residents in December.

"I know that many residents will have missed the Tree of Light event and Remembrance Sunday, which many residents attend, but was very low key this year.

"The council has been successfully managing to continue supporting community groups and charities to face the challenges Covid-19 has brought. We know how vital it is to support these truly worthwhile initiatives, particularly in these challenging times.

"We all hope that 2021 will be a better year and we can find new ways to support residents, the development of the town and parks as well as providing events to bring life in to the town."

• Cheshire East Council is currently still consulting on its budget for next year with the final financial plan due to be agreed by full council on February 17, 2021.