COUNCIL tax payers across the Vale of Evesham are likely to have to dig deeper into their pockets to meet demands dropping through letter boxes from April.

Worcestershire County Council will be asked to approve a 3.94 per cent increase at the council meeting next Thursday.

For a Band D property, the increase will add £32.50 to the current bill of £824.

Councillor George Lord, leader of the council, said: "This budget would allow us to continue delivering the services people expect from an excellent council. We are committed to raising standards in schools, further improving road maintenance, helping older people live independently, libraries and improving access to services."

He added: "While there is growth in this proposed budget that will strengthen our services, we also believe that by proposing an increase that is below four per cent we are being prudent."

Wychavon district council is looking to set a levy of £96.38 for a Band D property which is 2.5 per cent more than the current year's charge of £94.03 at its meeting on Tuesday, February 22.

Severn Trent Water last month announced that the average bill would increase by 11 per cent from £221 to £253

West Mercia Police Authority meets next Tuesday when members will be asked to decide on a range of options which would result in an increase of between 3.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent.

To all these figures have to be added Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade and individual town and parish council precepts