Council tax in Gravesham has been increased by up to £5.67 a year.

Gravesham councillors voted in favour of the recommended 2.96% hike, which fell just shy of the 3% needed to trigger a referendum, at a meeting last week.

Twenty-two councillors backed the motion, while 19 opposed it and Mayor Cllr Harold Craske abstained.

The increase means those living in band D properties, of which there are 8,466, will now pay £197.28 a year but councillors were told for the 60% of residents living in properties banded A to C the increase will be lower.

The money goes to Gravesham for its services and is paid on top of charges heading in the direction of the likes of Kent County Council and parish councils.

The hike means the council will rake in £1,670,172 from band D properties, £48,000 more than last year.

A report presented to councillors also suggests tax will increase by 3% or £5, whichever is greater, next year.