FAMILIES in Milford Haven will enjoy an average saving of 30p each on their town council bill this year.

The council’s precept for 2017-18 will fall to £33.13 per Band D property, following a meeting last week.

Cllr Jon Cole said as families faced a five per cent council tax increase from Pembrokeshire County Council, it was right the town council did its best to minimise the pressure on local people during a “time of austerity”.

Collected as part of each property’s council tax bill, town precepts help pay for the running of town councils, and a variety of local services.

This year, Milford Haven Town Council’s budget will include £20,000 for the annual Christmas lights and festivities, with a further £1,400 set aside for donations to Christmas events.

The Torch Theatre will receive £9,000 – far less than the £15,000 it asked for, a request branded “ridiculous” by Cllr Tony Eden.

Milford Haven Round Table will receive £4,150 for its events throughout the year, but members opposed a donation towards the group’s beer festival, on the basis it was not suitable for children.

Councillors voted against spending £3,600 on new computers to enable it to scrap paper agendas, which currently cost the council around £500 per meeting.

Milford Haven town and junior bands will be given £2,500 between them, the town’s sea cadets will also receive £2,500.

An application for between £3,000 and £4,000 for Milford Haven Business Circle was rejected, and the group will instead receive £750, as in the last two years.

Milford Haven Museum will again be supported by £7,000 of council cash, which councillors said was a fantastic resource for the town, and would likely close without their help.