TAXPAYERS are facing the prospect of another council tax hike next year.

Cheshire East Council has launched its pre-budget consultation for 2019-20 to 2021-22 – which includes plans for a tax increase of 2.99 per cent.

That would mean residents living in a Band D property would pay £1,446.27 in council tax for 2019-20 – an increase of £41.99 over this year’s rate.

If approved by council next February, it would be the fourth year in a row that CEC tax rates have risen – with the local authority saying it faces increasing demand and rising costs.

Cllr Paul Bates, cabinet member for finance and communications, said: “In response to the difficult ongoing national funding situation and demographic change, the council is firmly committed to protecting the delivery of essential frontline services for children and families, adult social care and for our most vulnerable residents.

“But we must also look at our priorities and where we can make savings and operate more efficiently. This might mean that some existing services provided will be reduced or delivered in a different way in the future.

“We are fortunate here in Cheshire East that the local economy is strong and growing. We have to ensure communities feel the benefit of that economic growth for the longer term and that is why we are working for a brighter future together with our residents and partners.”

The consultation runs until December 14, and the final budget is set to be agreed by full council on February 21, 2019.

To have your say visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/budget