The first council tax rise to hit Dartford residents in seven years may not be a one off, the borough’s leader has said.

The news that Dartford Council will increase tax by 3.03 per cent will be formally announced when it meets at the Civic Centre on Monday, February 27.

Councillor Jeremy Kite told News Shopper he hoped people would be able to see where the money will be used but warned it might not be the last tax hike.

He said: “I actually think we might have to do it again.

“I’m quite proud of what we do and I would have loved to go my whole career without an increase but there you go.

“It’s is about rebalancing, and if you haven’t got money you can’t do things.

“It has got to a time where we need a few extra pence and we will spend it wisely.”

Councillors are poised to approve the equivalent of a £4.95 increase for Band D properties at next week’s budget meeting.

Dartford’s Labour leader Councillor Jonathan Hawkes is sceptical about the budget, believing an increase will mean residents will “pay more and get less”.

He said: “The Conservatives are not getting the basics right and not doing the day job.

“They are failing on all of their stated priorities and residents continue to experience degradation and failure of local services.”

The council’s stated priorities include littering, safety and town centre regeneration.

Cllr Hawkes says the budget is concerned with cosmetic changes but fails to do enough for local businesses and employment issues.

He added: “There is nothing in the budget that will encourage economic growth, nothing on local employment and nothing to drive spending in the local economy.”

Cllr Kite defended the council’s stance.

He said: “There is always a sense of worry when there is a rise in tax. It isn’t the easy decision, but it is the right one.

“If we didn’t act then inflation would nibble away at us. We want to be able to carry on doing the things we do for residents.”

Cllr Kite said he has received no objections to an increase in tax as the council have been clear with residents.

“We seem to be on the right track. We have to be careful how we spend the money, but we have a sensible way of operating. We set out to increase by the minimum we need to, and I think people don't mind spending if they see where it goes.”

Residents can expect increases in other parts of their tax bill including Kent County Council.