A planned 5.5 per cent council tax rise in Gwynedd has passed its first major hurdle after members of a key committee offered no objection.

According to officers, “difficult decisions” have had to be made to balance council tax bills and cut services following another reduction of 0.2 per cent in central government contributions.

But accepting the challenging situation faced by decision makers, members of the authority’s audit committee approved the proposed budget which is set to see the average Band D council tax bill rise by £1.37, or £71.53 a year.

“A rise of 5.5 per cent is among the lowest in north Wales,” said Dafydd L Edwards, the authority’s head of finance.

“Our neighbours in Conwy and Anglesey are intending to rise theirs by nine per cent.

“That is partially due to their council tax rate being lower than ours, but we’re seeing an element of catch-up here.”

He advised against using the authority’s balances to reduce any council tax rises, however, believing they should not drop below the present level.

Labour councillor, Sion Jones, said: “Where are we going in terms of all these cuts? It’s not just us, its the police precept and everything.

“Its vital that people out there are aware of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.”

However, ratepayers have also been warned to expect further cuts over the years to come unless more money is forthcoming from Cardiff Bay, with the authority also hit by inflation and the UK Government’s decision to increase the employers’ teacher pension contributions.

A final decision is not expected until the next full council meeting on 7 March.

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