COUNCIL tax in Winchester is set to rise.

Winchester City Council bosses say the authority is continuing to be transformed into an entrepreneurial council after losing government funding.

As part of this they are finding ways of raising revenue and council tax is one of the areas they are looking at.

The council is going to consider an increase in average band D council tax for district residents of £4.34 for 2017-18 to protect frontline services.

Residents of the Winchester city area would see their bill increase by an additional £1.90, in line with their ‘special expense charge’.

The portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Stephen Godfrey said: “We must consider these increases to protect frontline services that are essential to many and improve quality of life for all – housing, community safety, collecting rubbish and recycling, parking, animal welfare, food safety, tourism, sport and many more.

“The grants Winchester City Council receives from central Government stop next year. By careful planning we have absorbed much of this change - reducing the net cost of delivering services and sourcing new funding, including an enhanced investment strategy.

“Winchester is likely to remain in the lowest third of districts nationwide for its level of council tax.”

Cabinet will consider the increase on February 8, with full Council set to vote on the budget on February 23.

Any increases would be combined with precepts set by Hampshire County Council and other authorities to make the final council tax bill for 2017-18.