Residents will have to fork out the equivalent of a second class stamp next year after a town council announced an increase in council tax. 

Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council voted at a full council meeting last week to increase the amount of council tax it charges households in Band D by 48p a year to £24.60.

Deputy leader of the council Councillor Simon Rubner said the increase was a “marginal” one, about the price of a second class stamp.

He added: “The council voted unanimously for this increase. It is not something we take lightly but it is something we had to do to guarantee local projects receive the same level of support and funding from us.”

Labour councillor Richard Butler, who represents Cowley Hill, said the increase was “overdue”.

He added: “We should have had this increase in council tax last year.

"It is good news the council has decided to vote for it so that we can maintain the same quality of service in these tough economic times.”