Residents in Marlow will not face a hike in the council tax they pay to the town council after it agreed to keep rates the same for a fifth consecutive year.

Marlow Town Council’s (MTC) portion of the housing tax will not rise, despite pressure on services following a squeeze on council funding.

However, with Buckinghamshire County Council and Wycombe District Council (WDC) yet to set their precepts, residents could still face a rise in rates overall.

Chairman of the resources committee and deputy mayor Bob Johnson said: “The budget-setting process this year has been as big a challenge as ever as we continue to seek improved or new services, against a background of ever-stretching resources.

“Our prudent management has provided us with a good platform to allow us to retain the zero increase in the precept for the fifth year, whilst still delivering new and improved services.

“We have a great town and this budget will keep us on the right track, maintaining our town with a realistic eye to the future.”

Cllr Johnson said MTC’s ten-year ‘Vision for Marlow’ continues to be its main focus this year.

The Vision plan aims to improve everyday life for Marlovians with a series of events and improvements in areas such as environment, communications, transport and culture.

And to help achieve services on budget, Cllr Johnson said sponsorship and voluntary support would be a “major driver” in the coming year.

Overall, the town’s slice of the council tax bill adds up to £282,470, or £42.93 for a band D property.

Total expenditure for the town council for 2015-16 will be £346,380, with an income of £63,756 from fees and sponsorships making up the difference.

WDC is due to set its budget on February 26.