Powys council tax in 2.99 per cent rise

Council bosses in Powys have pledged to protect front line services in the county and minimise the economic impact of council tax on the household bills of hard-pressed residents.

At a meeting of Powys County Council's board yesterday members recommended council tax should rise by 2.99 per cent in the next financial year.

It will mean council tax for the average band D property will go up from £889.17 to £915.76, a rise of £26.59.

A final decision will be made at the next full council meeting on March 2.

Councillor Tony Thomas, board member for finance, said: "This year's budget proposals have been heavily influenced by the difficult economic environment.

"For the first time ever the county council has faced a reduction in the level of revenue funding from the Welsh Assembly, down more than £2.3 million on last year, but the settlement was better than the Welsh average, a reflection of the cost of providing services in a large rural county.

"We have set out budget proposals that protect the level of essential services, particularly within adult and children social services, while recognising the financial challenges being faced by many households.

"As far as possible we have attempted to make savings through efficiencies rather than reducing services.

"The council is honouring the protection provided by the Assembly to education and social services spend, but despite this protection the services will still see a reduction in their budgets," he added.