Powys council tax looks set to increase by five per cent

The county council's cabinet, which met on Tuesday, recommended that the full council set the above inflation increase when in convenes on February 22.

The move will generate an extra £3.5 million, which will only part fund the increased investment of £12.8 million in vital services for children and the elderly.

It will cost the average band D payer an extra £56.63 for the year bring the annual council tax bill to £1,189.20 Council Tax. The figure does not include town and community council and police precepts.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Aled Davies said the figure included an extra £1 million for schools and £179,000 to the fire service.

“The council faces significant challenges over the next few years due to increasing demand and cost pressures but we are committed to rebuild our Childrens and Adults services through this extra investment and addressing the past failures. We must protect those least able to look after themselves," he said.

Councillors heard that despite the increase in council tax the council was also having to look at making savings.

"It is delaying recruitment were appropriate although only were appropriate," Councillor Davies said.

Looking ahead he said that a £17 million shortfall remained in the £2019/20 budget.

"The scale of action required in the next years will drive huge change across the council. Our future plans do also include capital investment throughout the county, it is important that we continue to renew core infrastructure such as schools and housing. Maintaining the capital programme is vital for the regeneration of the county’s economy as well as reducing the council’s running costs."

’We face huge challenges over the next years but there are also great opportunities to reshape service delivery and support economic growth to enable our children to have great careers and exciting lives here in Powys ” he added.