HEREFORDSHIRE Council has agreed an average council tax increase of 3.8 per cent to support the rising cost of social care for the county’s ageing population.

The increase includes rises in precepts from West Mercia police (1.99 per cent), Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue (1.96 per cent) and town or parish councils which are an average of 12.7 per cent and will come into effect from April 2016 .

The Herefordshire council tax increase of 3.9 peace includes a 2 per cent increase which will raise £1.7m to support rising costs of adult social care for Herefordshire’s ageing population, which is supported by government and will be reviewed annually.

The increase will mean a rise of approximately £5 a month for those living in a band D property.

Herefordshire Council Leader Anthony Johnson said: “In the last year, Herefordshire Council spent around £9million more on social care than it received in council tax.

"In line with neighbouring councils, we need to introduce an average total tax increase of 3.8%, which includes a 2% levy to support Herefordshire’s rising adult social care costs, as suggested by government.

"It’s never been more important for us to consider different ways to deliver services to achieve better value for money, to continue to grow our local economy, secure new jobs and homes, and to ensure prosperity throughout the county.”

Funding from central government has been reduced by a third for 2016/17 (a loss of £9m from the council’s budget), however Herefordshire Council continues to rise to the challenge.

It has made significant savings since 2010, alongside delivering successful projects to boost the local economy including The Old Market retail development, the new livestock market, faster broadband and the Hereford Enterprise Zone.