Residents in Dudley borough will continue to pay some of the lowest council tax rates in England, despite a 4.99 per cent rise.

Dudley Council has approved an increase in council tax from next month (April).

But council bosses have vowed to continue providing “value for money” services.

The 4.99 per cent increase includes 2 per cent for services for older and more vulnerable people.

At the same time as the council tax increase, the council is also investing in parks and open spaces, boosting CCTV coverage, extending free parking in town centres and improving street lighting and waste and recycling services among many others. Councillor Steve Clark, deputy leader of Dudley Council and cabinet member for finance, said:

“It is getting more expensive to deliver services and we have no choice but to increase council tax to balance the books.

”But I must stress that despite this increase, people of Dudley borough will continue to have some of the lowest council tax bills in the country.

“That is important to us as we strive to help people during these challenging times while delivering value for money services.”

The council consulted on its budget for three months with more than 1,500 submitting their views.