RESIDENTS in Blaenau Gwent could see their council tax rate increase by at least £21 a year.

The authority is proposing to raise its council tax by 2.6 per cent, but says this is its lowest increase on record since local government reorganisation in 1996.

This equates to an extra 41p a week for residents living in Band A properties and 47p a week for those in Band B from April.

Around 85 per cent of residents in the borough live in Band A and B properties; more people live in those bands compared to other authorities.

Those living in Band D properties would see an increase in rates of 61p a week, which amounts to £31.75 a year.

Councillor John Taylor, who presented the budget proposals at a special meeting of the executive committee at the Civic Offices, said despite very difficult financial circumstances the authority has been committed to reducing council tax over the last three years.

Cllr Taylor added that despite having to make £4.1 million in savings, the budget would safeguard frontline jobs and services, such as education and social care.

Proposals to save £3.5 million include deleting vacant council posts and accepting applications for early retirement and voluntary redundancy where appropriate in some departments and discontinuing the second civic car service.

Contingency funding of £750,000 could then be set aside to fund frontline service cost pressure and to ensure continued funding for the Six Bells Regeneration Scheme.

A final decision is due to be made by the full council on March 7.

The table below shows Blaenau Gwent council tax before Community Council and Gwent Police Authority precepts.

Blaenau Gwent council tax rates

Band 2011/12 2012/13 Increase Band A £813.99 £835.16 £21.17 Band B £949.66 £974.35 £24.69 Band C £1,085.32 £1,113.55 £28.23 Band D £1,220.99 £1,252.74 £31.75 Band E £1,492.32 £1,531.13 £38.81 Band F £1,763.65 £1,809.51 £45.85 Band G £2,034.98 £2,087.90 £52.92 Band H £2,441.98 £2,505.48 £63.50 Band I £2,848.98 £2,923.06 £74.07