THE lowest rise in council tax for a decade in Flintshire has been approved.
The county council has rubber-stamped its £293 million budget and 2.9 per cent council tax increase.
Last-minute amendments saw a £420,000 ‘invest to save’ fund set aside for front-line services.
Through the budget, the authority achieved a £2.3m increase for delegated school budgets and a rise of £1.4m in social care.
The council tax rise contrasts with increases of between three and 3.5 per cent in recent years.
A report to the meeting of full council on Friday said: “For 2013-14 the council has to be mindful of the financial pressures on council tax payers, which come from the economic position, welfare reform and high energy and fuel costs.
“For some council tax payers, these pressures will be acute.
“Therefore the council should aim to set the lowest possible council tax rise.”
Council leader Aaron Shotton, said: “I am very proud that, at a time when finances across the public sector are reducing, the council has worked hard to ensure a significant increase in funding for education and social care.
“Our key front line services are protected and we have secured the lowest council tax increase for a decade.”