City's council tax up by 2.5 per cent

HOUSEHOLDERS in Leeds will see council tax bills rise by 2.5 per cent this year, adding just over £27 to a band D bill.

As part of its budget, the council is planning to save money by shedding up to 350 jobs through early retirement and leaving posts unfilled in "back office areas".

Councillor Richard Brett, joint leader and executive board member for resources, says the budget involved "very difficult decisions".

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As well as reduced government grants, the council's income is much lower than in previous years because of economic conditions, said a spokesman.

"Revenue from various sources has dropped significantly. The recession has also seriously affected the council's ability to generate money from the sale of surplus land and buildings, which in the past has been used to invest in services.

"Despite that, demand for council services has increased as a direct result of the state of the economy. That has stretched the finances even more than usual," the spokesman added.

An extra 6.2m will go into children's social care, following criticism of the service by Ofsted.

A report to Wakefield Council's cabinet committee next week is proposing a council tax rise of 2.4 per cent.