COUNCIL tax payers in Swindon look set to be hit with an increase of almost five per cent for the coming financial year.

The combined pressures of a reduction in the amount of money the council receives from central government and an increased demand in adult social care mean residents will likely see a council tax rise of 4.99 per cent from April.

Councillors have framed the budget for 2018/19, which will be finalised later this month, as a balance between ensuring the tax rise is as low as possible while honouring commitments to help the most vulnerable in society.

The 4.99 per cent increase will be comprised of 2.99 for basic costs and a further two per cent for adult social care, which will work out as an increase of £62.44 for the average Band D property.

David Renard, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Swindon is still one of the lowest unitary authorities for council tax in the country. We are having to put council tax up, but every other authority is having to do so as well.

“But it’s important to stress that we are increasing council tax the smallest amount we possibly can, given the pressures we face from social care.”

The proposed increase has been described by officers as “not excessive” and thus does not trigger the requirement for a referendum.

The proposed budget for 2018/19 is just over £140m, of which £82m will likely be set aside for adult services.

The Revenue Support Grant, a vital stream of funding for local authorities that comes directly from central government, is to be cut by almost £5m.

But, in response, Labour suggested that the proposed budget fails to tackle some of the town’s major problems. They did, however, commended the council’s desire to put vulnerable people first.

Jim Grant, leader of the Labour Group, said: “We do believe the council has to meet the needs of our elderly and vulnerable citizens and council tax increases is obviously one way of doing that.

“However I completely understand the concerns of many residents who say they’re paying more and more to Swindon council and are getting less and less.”

Russell Holland, the Conservative cabinet member for finance, confirmed that people who do not receive social care support will indeed be paying more and receiving less. But he stressed that there was little alternative if we are to “prioritise those in need”.

Coun Grant added: “This budget fails properly to address the social challenges Swindon faces. For example, it fails to tackle increases of children in care and homelessness, as well as regenerating our town centre and heritage.”

After the tax rise, the council still needs to save £10m next year. Staff cuts, which were announced in October last year, are still likely to go ahead, though it is not yet known which of the 420 jobs are at risk.