EPPING town council has agreed a 5.4 per cent increase in its precept for the next financial year, meaning an increase from £57.19 to £60.25 for a band D council tax payer.

The council's precept makes up a small part of the overall council tax bill, and with the agreed rise will raise £295,000 for the council in 2004-05, an increase of £15,000 on 2003-04.

Other sources of income for the town council include the Monday market, the hire of Epping Hall, use of the Jack Silley Pavilion and Epping Cemetery, allotments and garages.

Net expenditure for the council in 2004-05 has been estimated at £500,965 of which £5,562 is capital expenditure.

Epping market is expected to bring in £101,528 while Epping Hall should make £33,475 for the council and income from the cemetery should total some £30,900.

The council is expecting to spend £87,988 on Epping Hall, £74,905 on Epping market and £67,761 on recreational grounds among its expenses.