A maximum council tax hike of nearly five per cent could be rubber-stamped at a meeting this week.

Cheshire West and Chester's full council convenes on Thursday 26 February, where members are recommended to back this coming year's annual budget.

The budget includes a tax rise of 4.99 per cent – the maximum allowed under Government rules without triggering a local referendum.

The figure includes a basic rate of 2.99 per cent and two per cent for adult social care. If approved, it would see a band D council tax bill of £2,076 for the year – an increase of £98.

A report to the council said more than 60 per cent of properties in the borough are in Band A-C so would see a lower increase in their bills.

The report added funding for adult services continued to pile pressure on its finances. 

It said: "The rising costs and demand for adult social care, as well as the need to ensure a sustainable provider market, has resulted in the council once again needing to raise this additional two per cent adult social care precept in order to contribute to the increased costs and demand in this area."

The council is facing a funding gap of £150 million over the next four years.

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The report said the gap would be fully bridged in 2026/27 via £33 million of savings and £7.5 million additional locally generated income from council tax and business rates.

It added that many of the £33 million savings require up-front investment and/or transformational activity to reduce demand for services, many of which are linked to adults and children's services.

But the report said there remained some 'difficult choices to make', including reviewing the overall size and shape of the council and the level of discretionary services it is able to provide.

It concluded: "The council will continue to lobby central government to address the shortfall in funding and continue to explore further transformation programmes and invest to save opportunities."

The meeting takes place at Wyvern House, Winsford, at 5pm on Thursday.