COUNCIL tax is set to be increased by nearly five per cent in Bournemouth.

The council has proposed a 4.98 per cent rise - the maximum allowed by the government - starting in April, although three per cent of this total comprises the new adult social care precept.

There are also rises in the precepts for Dorset Police and the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, of 1.98 per cent and 1.99 per cent respectively.

For a Band D property, the combined figures equate to a rise in the tax due per year from £1,553 in 2016/17 to £1,623 this year.

Council leader John Beesley said the rise was necessary to balance the authority's budget in 2017/18, in light of rising costs and reduced central government funding support.

"The effective management of the council’s finances has never been as crucial as it is today, recognising an unprecedented position of continued and deepening cuts in central government funding and simultaneous increases in the demand for services," he said.

"Since 2011, Bournemouth has suffered a reduction of £40.2 million in the government’s Revenue Support Grant (RSG) which equates to 77 per cent less RSG funding for 2017/18.

"The latest reductions in government funding represent significant challenges but we should remember that the council has a proven track record of managing the delivery of services and balancing its financial position year on year.

"Given the uncertainties of current and future local government funding, the budget we are recommending to the council is financially sound, continues to deliver front line services and supports those residents most in need in our local community."

Bournemouth council's medium term financial plan states that the council's net budget for the year is £127.2m, requiring the authority to raise £83.8m in council tax.

It claims the authority must make £35m in savings over the next three years.

The council tax increase is expected to raise an additional £4m this year. Also, the authority claims it has "already identified savings of over £13m for 2017/18".

The budget for 2017/18 will be decided at a full council meeting on Tuesday next week, February 21.