Cornwall Council has confirmed a 4.99 per cent council tax increase for 2018/19, which, it claims, will help protect services for vulnerable children, adults and families, provide more homes, support jobs and support economic growth.

The increase will see a general council tax increase of 2.99 per cent for 2018/19, a rise of 63p a week for a Band B property, plus a two per cent increase which will be spent solely on adult social care in line with the Government’s policy of asking local taxpayers to help fund social care demands.

For a Band B property, it means the Cornwall Council element of council tax will rise by £1.04 a week.

The four year budget aims to protect vulnerable children, adults and families with towards a ten per cent increase in funding for adult social services and a five per cent increase to children and family services and reduce fuel poverty.

It also provides £1.2m to Citizens Advice Cornwall over four years and aims to bring long term empty properties into use by charging 200 per cent council tax from April 2019 (subject to the Government bringing forward the legislation announced in the Chancellor's budget)

Over £800m will be invested through the capital programme in new and improved housing, major highways and transportation links and projects supporting economic growth and capital investment will be provided to build 1,000 homes, and help grow the economy, and create better paid jobs

There was a recorded vote on the budget with Cornwall Councillors voting 64 in favour, 45 against and with three abstentions.