Cornwall Council tax rise of almost 2% approved

In November the council approved a four-year strategy aimed at cutting spending by nearly £200m

A council tax rise of nearly 2% has been approved by councillors in Cornwall.

The increase of 1.9% for 2015-16 would see a rise of about £22 a year for a band D property.

The Liberal Democrat-Independent coalition unitary authority has an annual budget of more than £1.1bn, but said it had no choice because of central government cuts.

The rise is the maximum increase without triggering a local referendum.

In November the council approved a four-year budget strategy aimed at cutting spending by nearly £200m.