Householders in Petersfield face a council tax increase this year, with both the town and district councils raising their precepts.

Petersfield Town Council has announced a 16.8 percent rise in its council tax precept, adding nearly £30 per year to a Band D household’s 2025/26 bill and bringing the total to £208.32 annually.

A town council spokesperson said: “Throughout the budgeting process, we’ve worked hard to find cost-saving measures that do not compromise the quality of our services. We’ve also reviewed and reallocated our reserves to support key projects, helping to ease financial pressures.

“Overall, next year’s budget will allow us to sustain our services, care for our cherished community spaces, and build a more financially secure future. We are also laying the groundwork for some major enhancements in the years ahead.”

Planned capital projects include work on Festival Hall, refurbishing The Heath’s public toilets, and installing new play equipment at Penns Place playground.

Meanwhile, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has finalised its 2025/26 budget, confirming a £5 annual increase for Band D households. This will bring EHDC’s share of council tax to £151.92 per year, a 3.4 percent rise.

Cllr Charles Louisson, EHDC’s portfolio holder for finance, said: “Although we have raised our council tax, the money that will generate does not even cover the costs added by inflation this year.”