COUNCIL tax is set to rise by 3.5 per cent next month.

This takes the headline band D rate to £1,276.49, an increase of just over £44 a year, but for residents in band A, B and C properties it will mean around just 57p a week more.

Wigan Council leader Lord Peter Smith said it represented value for money and was one of the lowest increases across Greater Manchester. He revealed that the budget settlement for the year contained more money from central government and this, in turn, featured extra investment in the shape of a 6.6 per cent rise in government cash for school pupils. There was also the pledge of an extra £1.8m in funding for vital council services for both children, the elderly and environmental improvements.

Lord Smith said: "This year's budget settlement has been a long and complex process but we believe we have arrived at the right deal.

"Last year we pledged a council tax increase of 3.5 per cent and thanks to sound financial management, good housekeeping and the freedom that being rated as a excellent council' brings we have been able to deliver on this promise."

"This year the council has been faced with extra costs in the shape of a £9m equal pay settlement, along with extra pressures on the front line Children and Young Peoples' and Adult Services.

"To do this we have achieved a number of savings, while still being able to fund the services that we deem to be the most vital for vulnerable people within our community."

The council recently celebrated the Audit Commission giving the authority the highest score possible (4) for financial management and value for money. The council is also celebrating being among the few excellent' authorities in the country through the recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment.