Time is running out to have your say on plans which could see Central Bedfordshire Council raise council tax by four per cent over the next financial year in a bid to protect frontline services.

The unitary authority say they are responding to a significant reduction in government funding which could result in cuts to services to vulnerable people, roads maintenance and waste services.

The proposed council tax increase – the first in five years in Central Bedfordshire – would put almost £1 a week on the bills of the average (band D) household.

Councillor Richard Wenham, who is responsible for corporate resources at the unitary authority, said: “With councils getting less money from Westminster we are looking to raise more money through local taxation to protect frontline services.

“Since Central Bedfordshire Council was set up back in 2009, efficiency and value for money have always been a top priority and will continue to be so.

“We are also asking for residents’ views on an additional savings package of just over £15m which is on top of the £75m we have already saved in the last five years.”

The council plans to invest almost £190m in public services from April including £65m on adult social care services, £44m on children’s services, £40m on roads and transport, refuse collections and leisure and £10m on public health.

Monday is the closing date to have your say, with councillors then considering all responses before the final budget is approved by full council at a meeting on Thursday, February 25.

To have your say on the plans, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/budget2016, or pick up a paper copy from libraries, leisure centres or children’s centres across Central Bedfordshire.