People living in Three Rivers will pay more for services such as refuse collection and planning from April.

Three Rivers District Council’s share of the council tax will go up by £5 over the 12 months from April after councillors voted on Tuesday.

Cllr Matthew Bedford says the increase will mean services are protected in the face of government cuts.

He said: “We are aware of the financial burdens faced by many of our residents. The council tax being one of them, therefore, we have proposed a small increase in council tax of £5.

“On average this is less than 10p per week for a Band D property. Inflation over the same 11-year period is more than 25 per cent, so council tax has gone up much less than other costs.”

Cllr Bedford added: “We have made millions of pounds in efficiency savings and additional income over recent years to protect council services. We continue to plan more

cost savings and generate income to ensure we can maintain and grow services that our residents value.”

Garden waste collection charges has also been increased from £35 to £40 after the Liberal Democrats budget was passed and short stay parking charges will also be introduced.

The budget was passed by a vote of 20 to 15.