NEWTOWN residents will get the chance to give their views on a proposed 9.5 per cent increase in Council Tax at a specially arranged forum with councillors this evening.

County Councillor Mark Barnes has arranged the public meeting, to be held at Newtown Football Club, on Wednesday, February 13, to enable residents and representatives of Powys County Council to share their views and concerns on council funding with each other.

Residents will get the chance to put their questions to Cllr Aled Davies, Portfolio Holder for Finance, and Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Portfolio Holder for Learning and Welsh Language.

Cllr Barnes said “My view is that both residents and the council should make every attempt to understand each other’s viewpoint.

“Residents are understandably concerned about diminishing services combined with increased charges, but these are unfortunately what we are facing. So, what are the options?

“This meeting is intended to go some way towards a meeting of minds.”

Cllr Barnes says the meeting will include a ‘transparent discussion’ covering all issues that fall under the Council’s responsibility.

Tonight's meeting gets underway at 7.30pm.