Cornwall Council is currently in the process of setting its budget for the next financial year including how much you will pay in council tax.

But how does the council currently spend your money and where does it go?

Under its current plans the council is looking to increase its share of council tax bills by 3.99 per cent from April.

This increase includes a two per cent precept which will go directly to adult social care and a 1.99 per cent basic increase – the maximum allowed under current government rules which state that any increase above two per cent have to be subject to a referendum.

The final increase in council tax bills will be higher as charges for the police and for town and parish councils are yet to be included.

So how does the council spend its money?

In the council’s business plan for 2018-22, updated in November, the council breaks down how £100 is spent.

The biggest area of expenditure is adult social care with £25 of every £100 spent on caring for adults who need help.

Children and families is the second biggest recipient with £23 going to help children and young people get the best start in life.

Out of every £100 the council spends £16 on housing benefit to help people remain in their homes and prevent homelessness.

Affordable homes, economic growth, major road schemes, schools and buildings account for £10.

Collecting rubbish and recycling, looking after the countryside, parks and beaches takes £7 of every £100 and £6 goes to fixing and maintaining roads, street lighting and on public transport.

The running of the council and elections accounts for £5, while £3 goes to the fire and rescue service and keeping communities safe.

And the final £5 sees £2 going towards helping people to stay well and healthy; £2 on online services; and £1 on libraries, registration services and trading standards.

The council has an annual budget of £1 billion which is used to provide services to more than 500,000 residents and five million visitors each year.

In the business case the council states that 29 per cent of funding comes from council tax with 18% from business rates, nine per cent from services the council charges for, such as parking, and 1% from other income including investments.

The government provides 43 per cent of the council’s funding, but this is for specific expenditure such as schools, housing benefit and public health.

Cornwall Council is currently in the process of carrying out public consultation about the budget plans which will be set over the next few months.

The Cabinet will be meeting on Thursday (Jan 9) when councillors will be asked to approve the updated business plan which is being used as a basis for the consultation.

Cabinet will make a final recommendation on the budget in February which will then have to be approved by full council.