COUNCIL taxpayers in Knutsford will see bills rise by 3.75 per cent after Cheshire East decided to raise the tax for the first time since 2011.

The increase was forced onto Cheshire East Council after it saw a reduction of 16m in the central government grant that left the authority with little option but to introduce the first increase in five years.

The impact of the increase, which is likely to impact on people on fixed incomes, is set to help frontline services, with the local authority saying the additional monies will help boost services for the vulnerable, elderly and young people.

The increase on a Band D property will see a price hike of £45.61 per year taking bills from from £1,216.34 to £1,261.95.

However, the rise takes no account of further anticipated increases in town/parish council or in the Cheshire Police precepts.

Knutsford Town Council's precept request rose by 1.2 per cent this year.

Cllr David Brown, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I congratulate our finance team on developing a robust budget in very challenging circumstances.

“This council has never faced this situation before but, due to the effective way we have delivered services in recent years, we are in a far stronger position than many other authorities.

“I hope our residents will understand our position and recognise that, as a Council, we continue to deliver excellent value for money.

“While our increase is 3.75 per cent, some local authorities are increasing their council tax by 3.99 per cent with the prospect of the same level of increase each year for five years.”

Cllr Peter Groves, cabinet member in charge of finance, said: “This council is proud to have maintained a zero tax increase for five years. It is to be regretted that our excellent record has come to an end."