TWO tax rises could be on the way for thousands of householders across Cumbria.

Plans have been put forward to increase the council tax precept for both the county council and police services.

Taxpayers in Cumbria could expect a four per cent hike in the county council element of bills next year.

The plans, which were heard at a Cumbria County Council meeting, revealed there may be a 3.99 per cent council tax increase.

The increase amounts to a hike of around £36-a-year for a Band A property, and £55-a-year for Band D.

Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall has also proposed an increase in the policing part of the council tax to help maintain and improve policing services.

He said: “The chief constable needs an increase in council tax precept to maintain and more importantly, further improve our existing service by expanding the police presence and physically basing more officers in rural communities.

“I wish I could achieve this without any increase in tax, but I have to be realistic and face the stark reality crime is changing and becoming more complicated.”

Keith Little, Labour cabinet Member for CCC, described the increase in council tax as a ‘difficult decision’.

He said: “The proposed increase in council tax isn’t a huge amount but I understand it is an extra commitment for struggling households.

“It’s difficult for councils as we’re dealing with ten years of cuts to our budget that an increase in council tax has become a necessary step to continue funding services.

“We are left with either cutting services or raising taxes.”

James Airey, leader of the Conservative Group, said the council needed to focus on managing their funds rather than raising tax levels.

He said: “This is the third potential rise for households across Cumbria which will be a big hit for hardworking families. This can be like a second mortgage for people. The council needs to look at where they’re wasting money before they tax residents any further.”