COUNCIL tax payers in Tavistock are likely to face a rise in their annual charges, because of rising prices and changes in legislation.

The town council has challenged its officers to make budget savings of 5% in the next year, to allow for reinvestment in local services and facilities.

But despite savings, the precept is still likely to rise.

The council looks after most of the public open spaces in the town, together with many of Tavistock's historic buildings, including the town hall and pannier market. The council also organises Goose Fair.

It is one of few parish councils nationally which successfully subsidises services to the local taxpayer, raising more than half its income from commercial activities.

Town clerk Carl Hearn said: 'The Government is encouraging councils to manage their costs more effectively and do more to support localism.

'The council's finance and general purposes committee is recommending an appropriate increase in its council tax precept for the next financial year to £518,200.

'The precept has changed little in the last four years and the proposed increase would equate to an extra 39p a week in council tax for the average band D property.'

Cllr Harry Smith, chairman of the town's finance committee, said: 'The growth of localism and the "Big Society" presents very real challenges and opportunities to local councils.

'Our town council is committed to delivering the very best it can for the people of Tavistock — and this budget will enable us to continue doing that.'

A final decision on the budget was due to be made by the council at its meeting on Tuesday night.