BARNSLEY Council’s ruling cabinet members rubber-stamped budget proposals for the year ahead which include a 4.9 per cent increase in council tax - just shy of the five per cent cap that local authorities are permitted to raise it by without holding a referendum.

The increase is set to help address a £15.1m funding gap and ensure that essential services can continue amid rising costs and growing demand.

It will mean residents in Band D properties will pay an extra £87 per year, with their council tax increasing from £1,790.68 to £1,878.42.

The proposed rise is made up of a two per cent increase to support adult social care and 2.9 per cent to maintain other vital services.

Budget documents outline that this decision, while ‘difficult’, is necessary to prevent cuts to services that residents rely on.

Cabinet members agreed the proposals during their meeting on Wednesday ahead of its formal adoption later this month.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “There are still significant challenges in local government across the country.

“It is challenging meeting increased demands, particularly around children and adult services that continue to rise year on year.

“Thanks to the government’s Recovery Grant, we are in a position to put some investment back into service areas that we’ve not been able to do for almost 14 years.”