COUNCIL tax in Denbighshire is set to rise by 6.35 per cent as the county council attempts to address the rising costs of education and social care amid cuts in central funding.

Denbighshire County Council (DCC) revealed on Friday it will also save £5.6million through cuts and efficiencies in its budget for the 2019/20 financial year.

The final budget was agreed by council members at a County Hall meeting in Ruthin on Tuesday, January 29.

The council said the tax rise and savings will address current financial pressures in children’s and education services, social care, highways and environment.

The tax increase equates to an additional £72.24 a year for a Band D property, or £1.52 a week.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, DCC's cabinet lead member for finance, said the measures have been made in response to reductions in central funding while costs for public services continue to grow.

Cllr Thompson-Hill said: “It is our duty as councillors to make sure that the budget balances at the end of the financial year and the uncertainty over the levels of settlements in recent years has made our jobs a lot harder.

“Significant real terms funding reductions to local councils in Wales have continued whilst costs continue to grow. Schools and social care represent the most significant elements of the council’s budget and the costs of these is growing beyond the resources available.

“While the council will always endeavour to be more efficient to save money, given savings of over £35m have been made in the last six years, it is no longer possible to address the funding gap through efficiency savings alone and a careful balance between service savings and local taxation has to be struck."

Cllr Thompson-Hill added that "tough decisions" about further cuts should be expected in future budgets. He said: “The council expects to need to find £7 million in savings in 2020 and £4.5 million the following year. That means that tough decisions are needing to be made and further cuts are predicted over the coming years.

"However, we are making a commitment to continue to provide the best services possible for the residents of Denbighshire."

Further information about council tax, spending allocation and the benefits available to Denbighshire residents will be included in Denbighshire County Council's 'Your Money' booklet, available on its website in coming weeks.