COUNCIL tax in Calderdale will rise by almost five per cent next month, councillors have agreed.

The Council has set a budget for the next three financial years and has voted to raise additional money through a three per cent social care precept.

In addition to a general council tax rise of 1.9 per cent, this means council taxpayers will pay 4.9 per cent more from April.

The authority will spend nearly two thirds of its total budget on adults and children’s services next year to make sure support is given to those who need it most.

Council leader, Councillor Tim Swift said: “We are facing unprecedented challenges to our budget over the next three years and we have had to take some tough decisions. Our priority is to protect those services which support our most vulnerable adults and children, but it is also vital that we manage the budget well and balance the books.

“We know that demand for our services will continue to grow, so it is essential that we plan for the longer term. Our focus must be on early intervention, prevention and, where we can, by doing things differently, so that we can manage and reduce demand for our services in the years ahead.”

The agreed budget is available online at calderdale.gov.uk.