Dereham Town Council will increase its share of council tax by 66pc.

The rise, which amounts to just under £1 a week, will see its element of council tax go up to £128 a year for band D properties. The council had previously warned its precept could increase by 70pc.

Two councillors, Phillip Duigan and Robin Goreham, abstained in last night's vote to approve the town council's 2013-14 budget.

The lion's share of council tax bills is set by Norfolk County Council, which has frozen its element, while the new police and crime commissioner will increase his precept by just under 2pc. Breckland Council is proposing a 7.8pc rise.

Dereham town councillors blamed their increase, which is 24 times the rate of inflation, on the future loss of a £85,000 annual grant for council tax support, and extra responsibilities it is taking from Breckland Council, including play areas and open spaces.

Town clerk Tony Needham said the council had planned to phase in the tax rise over a number of years.

However, he said the possible introduction of council tax referendums for town and parish councils in the future meant it decided to raise all the extra income this year to avoid possible future shortfalls.