REDDITCH homeowners face a council tax hike of 3.8 per cent.

Redditch Council upped their rate by three per cent at a meeting on Monday night.

But the overall rise also takes into account a 3.94 per cent increase from Worcestershire County Council, 4.6 per cent from Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority and 4.9 per cent from West Mercia police.

The increase means a Band D property will pay an extra £45.76 per year, equivalent to 88p a week.

Council Leader David Cartwright said he felt proud of this year's budget. "We have set a low rate, which is below the rate of inflation," he said.

"And with this budget there is room for increasing investment into other services."

County councillors also gave unanimous support to their tax increase to cover their budget requirements at a meeting on Thursday.

Schools, libraries, road maintenance and care for the elderly remain top priorities in this year's budget.