THE authority which takes the most money from Worcestershire's council tax bills is poised to lower its demand for extra cash for the coming year.

Worcestershire County Council has proposed an increase of 4.25 per cent on its council tax demand for 2005/06, down from the 5.1 per cent agreed in February for 2004/05.

The council, which provides services including schools, roads and social services, takes about 70 per cent of the total council tax bill.

The council this year asked for £824 from an average band D Wyre Forest property and the 4.25 per cent increase would add an extra £35. The average 2004/05 bill was £1,190.

Fire, police and Wyre Forest District Council will be setting their cash demands in the next two months. The county's cabinet member for resources, Adrian Hardman, said the increase "is getting closer and closer to that which our residents believe is reasonable".

He added that the percentage figure had "steadily decreased and this is down to the hard work of officers in identifying savings and the sensible politics of all our members".

The final council tax figure will be finalised in February.