LIBERAL Democrats on North Yorkshire County Council were heavily defeated yesterday in their attempt to keep the authority's council tax rise down to 3.9 per cent.
The quarterly meeting of the Conservative-controlled council overwhelmingly approved an increase of 4.9 per cent, after its leader said it would be irresponsible to go for the figure being demanded by the Lib Dems.
This year's budget includes an additional £2.3m for adult social care, £1.2m for waste disposal and £1m for home to school transport.
Council leader John Weighell claimed public consultations on this year's budget had been more intensive than ever.
He said: "We are one of the lowest counties for council tax anywhere. This is a no-cuts budget with a minimum amount of growth.''
The Lib Dems, who were concerned about those on fixed incomes, called on the council to use some of the £1.7m it received from the Government, under a business rate scheme, to achieve a 3.9 per cent rise.
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