COUNCIL TAX TO RISE BY 3.95 PER CENT

Newport's Council Taxpayers face a rise in their charges of 3.95 per cent.

The Revenues Budget for 2010/11 before the City Council Cabinet on Tuesday proposes the increase, is significantly ahead of the rate of inflation - currently 2.4 per cent.

Despite the increase in funding from the central taxpayer Newport continues to be affected by a fall in come from capital receipts and the downturn in the property market.

The current administration argues that it is trying to improve the financial position of the Council and is reducing reliance on reserves.