There could be good news on the way as council tax may not rise as much as expected in Powys.

The council’s cabinet had recommended an increase of 4.5 per cent when it met earlier this month but reductions in adult social care spending and other costs will allow a 3.9 per cent increase to be considered by the full council on Thursday.

Councillor Wynne Jones, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “The original recommendation was designed to provide the county council with a degree of protection against spending pressures faced by adult social care and others.

“As most people are aware adult social care across the country is facing significant financial pressures as a consequence of increasing demand. We had been cautious in our financial planning and recommended a 4.5 per cent increase for the coming year.

“However, latest analysis shows that budget performance of adult social care is improving and the council will also face a lower than anticipated levy from the fire service. The changes, along with re-profiling payments associated with the wind farm planning inquiry, mean that a lower council tax increase can be considered.

“An increase of 3.9 per cent in council tax would see the cost of an average Band D property rise from £1,090.06 to £1,132.57 – a rise of 82p per week. The figure does not include the precepts charged by Dyfed Powys Police and town and community councils.”

Recent disappointing funding settlements from the Welsh Government have been down to an increase in council tax.

Cllr Jones added: “I believe the final recommendation carefully balances the needs of funding crucial services without compromising our residents’ ability to pay. ”