Homeowners in Tunbridge Wells must pay 4.985 per cent more for their borough council services this year.

The rise equates to an average of 13p a week and with the bill for a a Band D property rising to £98.76.

The total Band D bill - including cuts for Kent County Council, the police authority and the fire authority - will be £1,325.74.

Some areas will also pay a small extra precept to their parish council.

The council's has attempted to keep a tight rein on expenditure with its budget fixed at £61.8m for 2009/10 compared to £61.1million for '08/09.