COUNCIL Tax is expected to rise even more than last year as Pembrokeshire County Council tries to save more than £36million in the next three years.

A Cabinet report by chief finance officer Jonathan Haswell on the 2015-16 budget states the council will face a Local Government Settlement reduction of 4.6 per cent in real terms in 2015-16, and a 4.5 per cent reduction per year after that is expected.

Cost reduction/efficiency savings of £12.3m in 2015-16 are now proposed, with a further £24.4m anticipated in 2016-18.

The report states the budget has been developed “against the backdrop of the two most difficult financial settlements since the council’s inception in 1996.”

It is proposed, among other moves that include using reserves for some purposes, to raise an additional £2.2m in council tax to meet the 2015-16 figure; a rise of 4.5 per cent, up from a 3.4 per cent rise in 2014-15.

For an average Band D property this means an increase of £34.49 for 2015-16.

Further potential council tax increases of £1.9m and £2m in the following two years are being mooted.

The Cabinet recommendations were considered last week by both the economy and environmental scrutiny committees.

Speaking at last Tuesday’s (January 13) meeting of the economy overview and scrutiny committee meeting, Councillor Michael Williams said: “I am a bit concerned about raising £2.2 million in council tax next year. Quite a number of people these days are struggling to pay their council tax; just outside the benefit threshold. Those just over it are now under enormous pressure, the suggestion we’re all in it together is a fallacy.”

Members heard that Pembrokeshire still had a lower council tax figure than many other authorities.

Chairman Michael John said: “I think everybody’s shellshocked.”

Members of the environment overview and scrutiny committee, meeting last Thursday, January 15, heard the same stark details.

Chief finance officer Jonathan Haswell said: “The settlement is the worst in the history of the council.”

Following concerns raised by Councillor Peter Stock, Mr Haswell said: “I’ve identified cost reductions and savings which will enable us to achieve a balanced budget for 2015-16.”

A members’ seminar to further consider the draft budget and proposed cost reductions is being held on January 26.