COUNCIL tax could increase by just one per cent in Caerphilly county borough for the second financial year in a row, it has been announced.

The planned rise for the 2017/18 financial year is the same as the increase implemented last year, which was the lowest rise of any Welsh council.

A list of proposed cuts totalling £8.653million has been agreed by the council’s cabinet, including cuts to local bowling facilities such as the closure of Abertridwr Bowling Green, removing the Park Ranger service, and operating 20 bowling greens with a “reduced maintenance programme” while making three members of staff redundant.

Council leader Keith Reynolds has said he believes the cuts will have “minimal impact on the public”.

The timing of the announcement has come several months ahead of schedule, with every other Gwent authority saying they will not be announcing plans until next spring.

Cllr Reynolds, said: “It is a tribute to the way this council is run that we can put forward a set of budget proposals that have minimal impact on the public.

“This achievement reflects our effective budget management over recent years and the prudent approach we have taken to date.

“I’m sure residents will welcome the news that our council tax increase has been limited to just one per cent again this year. We know that times are difficult for many people, so we want to do our bit to ease any additional burden on our residents.”

Whilst the low rise has been applauded by some, others have raised concerns.

Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix said: “I understand the position the council is in with shrinking budgets from the Welsh Government but the early announcement of these proposals makes me worry that we could see local services being impacted.

“I think the timing really does undermine the consultation process. Surely that should come first. But this gives an impression that the consultation will be nothing more than a PR exercise.”

The proposed rise equates to an increase of 19p every week for an average Band D property.

Proposals will now be subject to a six week period of consultation from Monday December 5 until Friday January 14. The final budget for 2017/18 will be agreed at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday February 22, 2017.