Council tax bills in Colchester are set to increase by more than the rate of inflation.

However, Colchester Council has said this year's increase is half the amount the tax was raised by last year.

The council's cabinet is due to recommend the budget and council tax figures for the coming financial year at its meeting on January 26.

The budget has been slated by the Labour group, which said it will see cuts to important services and a high tax rise.

Colchester Council's portion of the council tax is due to increase by £5.31 a year for the average band D property, or 3.6 per cent.

The demand will be added to the levies demanded by Essex County Council and the Essex Police Authority.

Once the cabinet has agreed the budget, it will then be discussed at full council on February 16 for final approval.

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Published Tuesday, January 18, 2005

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