Local residents' council tax bills are expected to rise by nearly five per cent in the upcoming Council budget for the year ahead.

The financial uncertainties caused by Covid-19, paired with the rising cost of adult social care, have created a Council revenue funding gap of £30 million in 2021/22, and a further £53.4 million in 2022-25.

Over the four-year budget planning period, core central government grant funding is forecast to reduce by £10.7m, with a temporary increase of £8.8m in 2021-22 reflecting the significant short-term pressures on the Council relating to Covid-19.

The projected council tax rise will be composed of a basic increase of 1.99 per cent, and a three per cent adult social care precept.

This will equate to an extra £1.51 a week for residents of a Band D property.

The three per cent element will generate £5.8m, which will only partially address the cost pressures faced in adult social care in the borough. The Council will actually increase its investment in social care by nearly £12m in 2021-22.

Despite the financial shortfall it must confront, Cheshire West's budget aims to deliver the Council's plans for renewal and recovery after the pandemic, while tackling the poverty emergency, supporting new jobs and skills, creating a greener, fairer economy and protecting arts and cultural programmes.

Some of the Council's regenerative schemes, which hope to 'crate vibrant city and town centres across the borough', will be funded through its capital budget, which is separate from the revenue stream for frontline services.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Louise Gittins said, "We know times are extremely challenging for everyone now, and we never take a decision to increase council tax lightly. We are asking people to pay a little bit more so we can all get through the coming years together and nobody gets left behind.

"We do have a duty to provide services which protect and support those members of our community who need it most: our children in care, older people, people fleeing domestic abuse and those economically impacted by the pandemic.

"The Council understands the financial challenges that some of our residents face, particularly about the payment of council tax. Despite a significant funding gap, we have chosen to protect our council tax reduction scheme, which supports residents with council tax bills.

"Our discretionary hardship fund and Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme, offers local welfare assistance including residents in crisis or those with exceptional needs.

"We have also created a Covid response budget, part of which will be available to fund anti-poverty initiatives and provide support to residents suffering financial hardship as a result of the pandemic."

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be asked to make recommendations to Cabinet on the budget which meets on 10 February. Final budget proposals will be considered at the Council's annual budget setting meeting on 25 February.