Council recommends 3.9% tax hike

The budget will see an average Band D council tax payer's bill increased by more than 11p per day.

If the full county council agrees to the proposal on February 12, the total bill for county council services for a Band D council tax payer will be 1,089 for 2008/09 compared to 1,047 in 2007/08.

Deputy council leader Tony Reid said: 'Central government has increased our grant by 3 per cent for 2008/09 which is better than we expected. However, we have a history of poor financial settlements compared to some authorities and we still do not receive the average increase for UK counties of over 5 per cent.

'We believe that the Government still does not truly recognise our unique position in terms of the spiralling costs of looking after our growing elderly population.

'We know that any rise in council tax is difficult for some of our residents.

'However, bearing in mind the tough financial position that we face, I believe we have produced a sound budget that enhances key services and keeps the council tax increase down but it does mean that we will have to deliver a further 6.4m of savings next year.'

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