HOUSEHOLDS in Ryedale face a council tax rise of 1.99 per cent from the district council - the first increase in seven years.

Members of the authority's Policy and Resources committee approved the increase after it was the authority would not be getting a Government grant this year.

The district’s part of the overall council tax bill is just over 11 per cent of the total bill, equivalent to £176.72 for a band D property. The remainder of the bill is made up by North Yorkshire County Council (71 per cent), Police Authority (14 per cent) and Fire Authority (four per cent), in addition to town and parish council precepts.

Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “We agreed to increase council tax by 1.99%, contrary to the previous decision because we now know that we shall not be getting any council tax freeze grant.

"Our settlement is based on an assumption that we will raise council tax by 1.99 %, therefore our base settlement is minus freeze grant and minus 1.99 %.

Coun Cowling said the average annual increase worked out at just under 7p per week or £3.51 annually, giving the council an additional £73,526 for the financial year 2016/17.

"This is the first increase for several years and is essential if we are to continue to deliver the necessary services in Ryedale," she added.