Scarborough's council tax jumps again

The authority had previously claimed it would put up its share of the tax by the 1.99 per cent, which was the maximum allowed without calling a local referendum under Government rules.

However, earlier this month the Government relaxed these rules and now the borough council is to ask its members to approve a 2.37 per cent rise for the coming financial year.

This means a Band D property will see its bills go up by £5 a year, the maximum a council can increase without triggering the referendum requirement.

With North Yorkshire County Council, which claims the largest share of the precept, also proposing a 1.99 per cent increase a Band D property will see its council tax bill in April jump up by almost £60 compared to the previous year.

The Police and Fire authorities have both voted through 1.99 per cent increases for their shares.

Scarborough councillors will vote on the recommendations at a meeting at the Town Hall on Friday.

If approved it would be the first time since 2010 that the council had put up its share of the tax.