Lincolnshire County Council has approved plans to raise council tax by 4.95 percent this year. 

It is the largest annual increase allowed without holding a referendum. 

The 4.95 percent hike will include a 2.95 percent rise in general council tax and a two percent rise in council tax specifically covering adult social care.

For homeowners in Lincoln, that is an additional £60 a year for Band B properties, £95 for Band E and £156 for Band H. 

Lincolnshire County Council leader, Martin Hill, said: "We have had a reduction in government funding of £15 million, we've also got cost pressures, including inflation, of some £23 million.

 

"It's quite a difficult backdrop just to keep the council running efficiently. This is why we have raised council taxes, to make sure we make it through the next two years."

 
Even with the 4.95 increase, Lincolnshire will have one of the lowest council tax rates in the country, according to Councillor Hill.

The county council will also use its £14 million reserves to balance the books. 
Alongside the increase in council tax, the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Jones, received approval to increase his share of council tax to 5.8 percent. 

The police precept will increase by £2.7 million. Mr. Jones proposed a new Command & Control system for Lincolnshire Police, £1 million in crime reduction programs and £1 million to services for victims. 

The budget was approved at the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel on Monday.

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