HOUSEHOLDERS in Winsford and Middlewich were hit with yet another rise in Council Tax after Cheshire County Council set its budget on Thursday.

Fears originally surfaced that an increase of 4.5 per cent was likely, when councillors assessed the Government's annual award at the end of last year.

But the final figure, 5.9 per cent, represents the tax going up at more than twice the rate of inflation.

The current Council Tax for an average Band D property is £816, which will spring to £864.14 when the budget comes into effect.

But the rise is not as hefty as last year when an increase of almost 20 per cent was blamed by councillors on Local Governmment Reorganisation.

And Cheshire County Council leader Derek Batenman insists their new budget is good news for the people of Cheshire.

He said: "The increase is one of the lowest of any county council and the budget itself contains many good news items.

"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to meet in full the teachers' pay award, as well as fund 500 extra secondary school places. Education is one of our main priorities.

"We will undertake the biggest programme of capital investment for some time, where secondary schools are to be reorganised.

"We believe the budget is the best that we can deliver to the people of Cheshire and under difficult finanacial circumstances weh have been able to deliver good news as well."

Cty Clr Lary Toale, vice-chariman of the resources sub-committee, admitted that Local Government reorganisation had left scars, resentment, overwork and poor morale amongst staff.

He said: "This was inevitable and must be adressed. But the LGR affect is not yet over.

"This year we have had to spewnd over £2m on LGR costs and for next year we are making provision for a further £1.4m."

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