Parish councils are to receive 100 per cent of the Council Tax Support Grant in next year’s budget, it was revealed at a council meeting on Thursday night.

The money comes from central government and local authorities were encouraged to hand out the money to parish councils following changes to the council tax benefits.

The council initially said none of the money was to be given, making Swindon the only English authority to do so, but later said 50 per cent of the £150,000 would be passed down.

However, following a question by Coun Wayne Crabbe (Con, Wroughton & Wichelstowe) it was confirmed that all of the money would be handed down.

Responding, Coun Russell Holland (Con, St Margaret & South Marston) the cabinet member for finance said: “I can confirm, in light of the sound case made by my colleagues, I will be amending the budget that I will put to Cabinet and Council in February to transfer 100 per cent of the grant.”