Householders in Conwy county face a threat of a seven per cent increase in council tax.

In addition the authority’s school budget could be cut by more than 2.6 per cent.

But these recommendations for the financial year 2020 to 2021, from the council’s finance and resources overview and scrutiny committee, have to be approved by the cabinet and then the full council in March.

A seven per cent increase for a band D council tax property means an annual increase of £89.63 or £1.72 per week.

Speaking before the committee meeting, cllr Sam Rowlands, council leader said: “Since the Welsh Government published its funding for local government in December, our finance team has been working on the provisional figures to produce a detailed report for councillors to discuss.”

“The indicative budget reflects our priorities, but policies introduced by national governments have a significant impact on how we allocate our resources.”

“Significant budget reductions are needed to address the increasing demand and pressures on services because Conwy’s grant support has not risen in line with those pressures.”

As it currently stands, Conwy will receive a 3.4% increase in funding from Welsh Government - the second worst settlement in Wales.

Cllr Rowlands said, “I’m disappointed that yet again Conwy and North Wales is not receiving its fair share of funding; four of the lowest five in the settlement are from North Wales (Ynys Mon, Conwy, Flintshire, Wrexham). I’ve been working with the other North Wales Leaders to lobby for a fairer distribution of funding, and fully support the Welsh Local Government Association’s call to reinstate the funding floor.”

“Despite this, we are looking to continue prioritising our available funding. Our draft budget shows schools receiving over £3.5m extra and social care services, supporting the most vulnerable in our community, an extra £3m.”

Conwy’s final settlement is expected to be announced by Welsh Government at the end of February, and the council will meet on March 5 to finalise the budget.