Published: Friday, 12th February, 2010 9:00am

Council tax rises and job cuts on the cards.

by Jonathan Kelly

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WOKINGHAM council will cut 150 jobs over three years and raise council tax in a bid to save £9.5m.

If the council should vote to back the plans at its meeting next week, households will see a 1.9% increase in council tax or a £22.85 increase for a band D property.

Council leader David Lee said: "In these difficult times, which are being experienced the length and breadth of the country, I am pleased to say that we are set to agree a budget that maintains the quality services that really matter to our residents, such as weekly waste collections, and the quality of life in our borough, with for example our fantastic country parks."

He added that the council also plans to introduce a new library in Gorse Ride as well as supporting major bus routes in the borough.

However significant changes are under way at the council with its Transformation Programme which will mean 150 jobs are lost over the next three years with the aim of saving £9.5m by 2013.

See next week's News for full details.