Residents are set to be asked to pay 10p extra a week in council tax to Braintree Council.

The average homeowner will pay just shy of £5 a year more than last year, a rise of just under three per cent.

A reduction in government funding is being blamed for the increase, but the council said it still offers value for money.

Leader of Braintree Council Graham Butland said: "Our finances are being squeezed from multiple directions and these are challenging times for authorities.

"We have a good track record for financial innovation which puts us in a good position to rise to these challenges.

"We’re working hard to absorb additional costs where we can which means we can keep our share of the council tax increase to a minimum and keep increases such as car park charges as low as possible.”

After the rise, Band D property owners will pay the equivalent of £3.36 a week for Braintree Council service.

The rise will be discussed at a meeting of Braintree Council's cabinet on Monday, February 5, before going to full council on Monday, February 19, for final approval.