PLANS to increase council tax for residents in the Winchester area have been given the green light.

Winchester City Council has rubber stamped plans to increase the average band D council tax for district residents, it will be an additional £4.34 for 2017-18 to protect frontline services.

Winchester City Council bosses say the authority is continuing to be transformed into an entrepreneurial council after losing government funding.

As part of this they are finding ways of raising revenue, and the rise in council tax is part of this.

Portfolio holder for finance at Winchester City Council councillor Stephen Godfrey explained the change.

Cllr Godfrey said: "We must provide a balanced budget for the next financial year that is backed by sufficient reserves and that has a realistic plan for delivering financial stability in the medium term, so we must consider an increase in average band D council tax for district residents of £4.34 for 2017-18, with bills for the Winchester Town area increasing by an additional £1.90, as requested by the Town Forum."

Overall this rise will bring in an extra £207,000 and councillor Godfrey added: "For another 8 pence in council tax and with continued careful financial management, this administration will build on the strong financial foundations that we have provided over the last five years to ensure that the people of Winchester will continue to receive all these services."