COUNCIL tax is to rise by almost three per cent in Tameside.

The hike, due to take effect in April, works out at 2.93 per cent — a 2.42 per cent increase plus precepts for police and fire.

Councillor Roy Oldham, leader of Tameside Council, has defended the rise.

He insisted that it is in line with the council’s strategy of keeping increases below 10 per cent over the next three years.

Cash will be ploughed into reducing crime, services for children and young people, stimulating the economy and sprucing up the borough.

Councillor Oldham said: "This is essentially the people’s budget providing improvement to the area.

"We have gone across a raft of services and given each one more money.

"I think we will give value.

"We are doing well but there is much to do on this never-ending programme of betterment."

But Tories attacked the ‘inflation busting’ rise, claiming council tax in Tameside has risen by 61 per cent since 1997.

At Tuesday night’s full council meeting, Conservative leader Councillor John Bell said: "Once again our council tax is to rise faster than the cost of living.

"The public are entitled to ask: ‘Where has the money gone?’

"We have a political leadership that is arrogant and blind to its failings.

"When I heard earlier today Fidel Castro was retiring I wondered if there would be a similar announcement in Tameside.

"Several Labour councillors in this room live in hope!"

The budget was agreed by all councillors apart from Tameside Conservatives who decided to abstain.