Council tax bills will rise by at least five per cent this year after Didcot town council said the cost of services and a slow-down in house building would lead to the increase.

The move will mean it will charge a typical band D home £58.62 for the coming year -- compared with £55.88 during the current financial year. The town council's sum, is only a proportion of the total council tax bill. South Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police have not yet set their rates, but they are also expected to be substantially higher.