A COUNCIL tax rise of 9p per week has been recommended by councillors in Ryedale.

The district council's policy and resources committee has suggested the rise, which would take the total levied by the council to £3.02 per week for a Band D property.

In next year's budget the council needs to find money to pay for a number of new national initiatives. These include finding £20,000 for civil emergencies and £150,000 to meet tough environmental targets on waste recycling.

The committee chairman, Councillor Robert Wainwright, said: "In total, with no tax rise, an additional £572,000 will have to be found excluding any currently unknown, ring-fenced Government grants. For the last ten years Ryedale has pursued a mixed agenda for service delivery for the benefit of the community, including an enviable record on green issues.

"In what other areas of life today can we get a heavy goods vehicle and crew calling at our house once a week to provide an essential service for under £3?"

The council will now consult on the proposal and is seeking comments from residents. Anyone who would like to give their views can contact Trevor Teasdale on (01653) 600666.

There will be a special council meeting to discuss the budget on Monday, January 17, at 6.30pm at Ryedale House, Malton.