COLCHESTER Council is set to increase its share of residents’ council tax by just under £5 a year.

Under the authority’s budget plans for 2020/2021, Band D households will pay £195.57 to Colchester Council, £4.95 more than last year.

The 2.6 per cent rise is lower than last year’s increase of 2.97 per cent.

A report, set to go before the council’s scrutiny panel next week, said: “The council continues to demonstrate prudence and robust financial management.

“It is, therefore, able to invest in new strategic priorities and deliver a balanced revenue budget for 2020/21.

“This will require a modest £4.95, 2.6 per cent, increase in the Colchester council tax for 2020/21.

“Grants to parish councils have been maintained at 2019/20 levels after several years’ successive reductions.”

Next year, there are 63,933 Band D equivalent properties set to contribute council tax across the borough, an increase of 602.

Colchester Council says its council tax proposals represent good value with increases lagging well behind inflation over the last decade.

The amount paid is below neighbouring authorities including Chelmsford and Basildon, but above the likes of Braintree.

Essex County Council is also raising residents’ bills by about £50 for the average Band D household.

It means the standard bill will increase from £1,270 to £1,321, an increase of 1.99 per cent and a two per cent social care precept.

The Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is expected to add more to residents’ bills in order to invest in policing and the fire service.