Labour are planning a 2.9% increase in Council Tax levels from April 2012 plus another similar increase from April 2013.

The Coalition government have offered the City a one year £1.8 million subsidy which would delay any rise until 2013 (at which point an increase of up to 5% would be likely).

The 1 year subsidy would mean that residents would be about £36 better off during the next 12 months.

Both options involve some reductions in public service quality standards.

Increases in tax levels above 3.5% pa can only be implemented if approved through a residents referendum.

What should the Council do? (see survey right)