HAYDON Wick rate payers can expect their council tax bills to jump by more than £20 on average, as parish councillors take on more responsibilities from the borough.

The parish council voted to set next year’s precept at £83.67 for a Band D property, an increase of £21.08 on this year’s rate.

The rise was partly a result of the parish taking on responsibility for grounds maintenance from the borough, chairman Linda Brown said.

Temporary funding from Swindon Borough Council to help the smaller organisation take on the service was coming to an end. Initially worth £100,000, this had dropped to £50,000 last year. “This year is the first year we have to be totally self-funded,” Coun Brown said. As a consequence of taking on responsibility for grounds maintenance the parish’s staff roster jumped from three to 14, she added.

Money from the rates would also be invested in upgrading play areas in the area. The changes come into force from April 1.