THE council tax rise for people in Wirral next year has been revealed after the local authority announced it must find savings of £45m.

Homes in Wirral will face an “assumed increase” of 2.99% in 2019/20, with the council saying the rise reflects the growth in new homes and a number of other factors – including the government’s “prolonged austerity” measures.

Council leader Phil Davies said: “It is vital we maximise council tax collection, so we can continue to fund the services which residents rely on every day.

“As austerity continues to bite, demand for these services is rising. It is therefore unforgivable for the Tory Government to have removed £250m from Wirral’s budgets and grants [since 2010].

“My administration will continue to make these savings without endangering front line services, which means seeking efficiencies, managing our assets and resources better and looking for new ways to attract and retain revenue.

“Local councils across the country are being left in the unenviable position of having to enforce the Tories failed polices. This is a situation that cannot continue.”

The rise is set to be discussed at Wirral Council’s cabinet meeting on November 26, with the document adding that it reflects the growth in new homes, and factors including the council tax reduction scheme, the number of people receiving exemptions from paying, and the banding of properties – which in Wirral is largely weighted towards band A and B properties.

It is recommended cabinet members approve the amended council tax base, which would then pave the way for the 2.99% rise to be given the green light next year.

Despite the rise, the potential council tax rise would be smaller than last year’s increase, which was 5.99%.

Also to be discussed by the cabinet will be details on how the council will save £45m over the coming financial year.

Cllr Davies added: “We have a responsibility to set a fair, sustainable and balanced budget.

“This means we must make ever more difficult decisions, but we will never shirk our responsibilities to Wirral residents. We will always find ways to use our diminishing resources to improve our borough and the quality of life our residents can enjoy.”

Cllr Davies, who will step down from his role in May, added this would mean £1.5m cut from funding for senior council management, and encouraging more investment and regeneration in Wirral.

He said: “We will invest public resources where it will deliver the most impact – in creating jobs, in improving the local environment, and in protecting our most vulnerable children, adults and families.

“We will deliver on all of our promises to Wirral residents. Our medium-term financial strategy provides a budget for next year, which delivers on our priorities for Wirral and meets our principles as an administration.

“Even in these most challenging circumstances, it is a budget we can be proud of and a budget I believe Wirral residents will support.”

If the proposals for the budget are approved, a public consultation will begin next month.