MALVERN Hills District Council is raising its council tax demand by two per cent.

The news means that an average Band D household in the district will pay £1,482 in the 2013/14 financial year - an increase of £2.65 per year.

Councillors unanimously agreed the increase at a full council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Paul Cumming, portfolio holder for finance, said the increase was a “balancing figure” reflecting the pressures on both residents’ and the council’s finances.

“I personally would have preferred to see no increase because times are very difficult for our residents generally,” he said. “But we have to be very aware of what is coming in the next two years and not taking some money now could make those problems worse.

“I think the two per cent is a balancing figure.”

Neighbouring councils Wychavon and Worcester City are freezing their council tax demands for the forthcoming financial year. Worcestershire County Council has also approved a council tax freeze.