Council tax rise is 'lowest ever'

Kent County Council (KCC) plans to keep council tax increases to the lowest level since the tax began in 1993.

Leader Paul Carter said it was currently looking at an increase of 2.85%, but would try to reduce it further in the next few weeks.

He said the recession and growing elderly population had created enormous pressure on KCC's budget but front-line services would be improved.

Pay increases for KCC staff would be set at 1% for all levels, he added.

The budget will need to be approved by the cabinet on 2 February and the full council on 19 February.

If the 2.85% increase is approved, the KCC element of council tax for Band D properties will increase by £28.53 to £1,030.32.

"Increased demand for services and other cost pressures mean we have had to put an additional £66.4m into the budget," said Mr Carter.

"The net increase in our government grant was £5.1m, leaving the rest to be raised locally from savings, income and council tax."