Council tax payers in Fareham face an increase after the authority approved its budget without opposition.

Residents face an increase of 3.44% with total revenue collected from council tax expected to rise from £6.1 million in 2016/17 to over £6.365 million.

Executive Leader for Fareham Borough Council, Sean Woodward said: “The increase is one of the lowest in Hampshire, giving Fareham residents good value for money and we are delighted.

“Spending is set to be maintained at its current rate so the quality of council services is expected to be maintained across all areas for council residents."

The council leader insisted that they have had over £26 million invested in the last three years in commercial property with income from this coming in at £4.25 million a year. Without this council tax would have to be increased by nearly 70%, Mr Woodward claimed.

Central government support will also be slashed by 19% (£505,100) to just over £2.1 million in 2017/18 with further cash reductions expected, forcing the council to find additional £1 million.

Part of the new 2017/18 budget will see Fareham borough council invest over £500,000 to redevelop Daedalus airfield, one of the council’s biggest assets, along with £46,000 to host the 100th anniversary of the site in September.

Owners of an average Band D property pay an extra £5.00, from £145.22 to £150.22.