A COUNCIL tax rise of almost four per cent, the maximum allowed, looks set to be approved after it was recommended in the budget.

Half of this has to go towards adult social care, although residents have been told the cash will only limit some of the cuts.

The rise will equate to around £50 for a band D property but the cabinet member for finance, Russell Holland (Con, St Margaret and South Marston), said it was necessary for the future.

He said: “None of us went into politics to make cuts but the landscape of local government has changed. But it is better we stick the course now and stay with our financial plan so even harder decisions are not needed in the future.”

The council has been given a payment of £825,000, to be matched next year, and the money will go towards limiting the impact of children centre closures and engaging with volunteers.

The Labour Group has said it will support the council tax rise but has said the two payments should be used to save services.

Coun Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western) tweeted: “Just learnt that Swindon Council have been given £826k to offset cuts. Let’s hope Lydiard, children’s centres and libraries are saved.”