Bolton's council tax is set to rise by more than five per cent - with a survey suggesting almost two thirds of residents are against the idea.

The increase is one of the measures aimed at addressing a multi-million-pound hole in the budget for the financial year from April 2024.

Some of the other measures are cuts of £8.6m in all areas, from adults' services and children's services to recycling and street lighting, as well as the use of £10m in reserves.

All of the above was a part of a consultation which came to a close this month and for which the result was revealed in a report for consideration by the cabinet next week.

Bolton Council's share of council tax is set to rise by around five per cent while the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)'s share of council tax, consisting of the Mayoral Precept and the Police Precept, looks likely to rise as well.

The increase is therefore more than five per cent with some variations in the towns of Blackrod, Horwich, and Westhoughton where there is also a Parish Precept to be paid.

ALSO READ: Bolton Council debt some of the lowest in Greater Manchester.

Almost two thirds of residents are against the idea according to the 618 responses to the consultation which came to a close this month.

The respondents appealed for a lesser rise or no rise at all.

One of the respondents said: "I do not understand why the council is seeking to reduce services when council tax is increasing year on year.

"If the services are to be reduced then so should council tax."

Also a cause for concern were cuts to some services such as recycling, with beige bin collections to be cut to once a month, and street lighting, with brightness to be cut by more than a quarter apart from in areas with issues of community safety.

However the majority accepted there was a need for cuts to some services in light of the challenging circumstances.

ALSO READ: Five Bolton housing schemes in line for share of almost £10m.

One of the respondents said: "Bolton is riddled with rubbish on the streets. Once a month collection will make it worse."

Another of the respondents said: "As a woman and a mother of two daughters I am concerned about reducing street lighting when violence to women is at an all-time high."

The report is for consideration by the cabinet on Monday and the council on February 14.

If it is approved by the council it comes into effect for the financial year from April 2024.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.