COUNCILLORS have approved what was described as a ‘modest’ increase of 1.94 per cent in West Dorset District Council’s share of the council tax.

At a full meeting of the council members voted through the budget for the 2015/16 financial year, which included the rise in council tax.

The rise will see the average cost for a band D mid range property go up by £2.47 to £129.75.

Council leader Anthony Alford said that, despite financially challenging times and reduced funding from central government, the council was still planning to maintain the services that residents enjoy, not reduce any grant to the community and not increase parking charges, with short stay fees frozen for a ninth year in a row.

Cllr Alford praised the contribution of staff from the authority, who had weathered all kinds of changes over recent years and continued to provide services to residents.

He said: “I would like to pay tribute to the way they have delivered our services despite office moves, restructuring and job evaluation.”

Cllr Alford said that there was still much work to do for the authority moving forward, but the rise in council tax would go a little way to helping meet future challenges.

He said: “A very modest increase of 1.94 per cent will make a small contribution towards reducing the funding gap.”

He added: “We are proud to charge one of the lowest council tax rates in England.

“Huge efforts are being made to reduce costs and protect services.

“We are working in partnership with other councils where we can and also reviewing how we provide services.

This is a difficult time for local government but we are meeting the tough financial situation head-on.”