COUNCILLORS have narrowly backed a controversial budget which includes spending for Winchester’s new multi-million pound leisure centre, as well as a council tax freeze for residents.

In a heated meeting of Winchester City Council, members voted largely along party lines.

Much of the criticism of the budget related to the inclusion of spending for the new leisure centre, with opposition Liberal Democrat councillors saying more scrutiny was needed before signing off on such a large investment.

The spending on the leisure centre was included in the council’s capital investment strategy, which was approved by 23 votes to 20.

As previously reported, most of the concerns centre around the plans to only include an eight-court sports hall, rather than the 12-court facility originally proposed.

During the meeting finance portfolio holder Cllr Guy Ashton gave a presentation addressing a number of claims that have been made against the project over the past year.

The plans to freeze the city’s council tax were signed off, although not for those living in the city centre.

It means the current amount paid to the city council by residents in Band D properties will remain at £138.92 for the 12 months starting April 1, while those living in the city centre will see the amount rise from £67.17 to £6,919 after Winchester Town Forum approved a three per cent increase.