TAXPAYERS in West Oxfordshire will have to start paying more annually – but only about £3.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s share of council tax is set to increase by just £2.75 a year for the average (Band D) householder.

The district council’s cabinet has recommended a three per cent increase from April, which will see an average household paying £94.38, instead of £91.63 in the current financial year.

Councillors were originally recommended to back a £5 a year rise – the maximum allowable without a referendum – and residents were consulted on the proposals.

But a combination of investment strategy and cost savings meant the lower level could be set.

Toby Morris, cabinet member for resources and deputy leader of WODC, said when fine detail had been included in the 2018/19 budget, the council had improved its position by £447,000.

Rises in investment income from the Rural Services Delivery Grant had contributed to this.

Mr Morris also highlighted how sharing services with Cotswold and Forest of Dean District Councils was saving £1m a year, with a further £1.5m worth of efficiencies predicted following the establishment of the local authority owned company Publica in 2017.

The district council joined Publica in November.

It maintains its independence and keeps its own separate identity, and councillors continue to be responsible for the standard of services that are provided as well as setting strategy, making policy and taking decisions.

But West Oxfordshire staff, along with employees from Cotswold and Forest of Dean councils, transferred into the Publica Group.

The organisation is jointly owned by each of the councils.

Partnership and shared services are not new to West Oxfordshire, as it first started working with Cotswold District Council in 2008 with the appointment of a shared chief executive.

Mr Morris said he was thrilled that steps could be taken to prevent tax rising further than necessary.

Morris added: “A combination of improved income and efficient operation has meant residents will see a lower increase this year which has to be good news.

“We were already charging the second lowest council tax rate of any district council in the country.

" I am delighted to say that is expected to remain the case.”

The final decision on council tax will be made at the full council meeting on February 28 at the Woodgreen offices in Witney.