A COUNCIL tax rise of almost four per cent was approved Oldham Council cabinet members last night.

The 3.99 per cent rise comprises of a general increase of 1.99 per cent and a two per cent increase for adult social care spending.

When added to a further precept rise to pay for policing and Andy Burnham's mayoral office Oldham residents in Band D properties - the average band - will face a bill increase of £80.93 next year.

The council has proposed using more than £7 million of its reserves to balance the budget in 2018/19.

The proposal now faces the last stage of approval at its Full Council meeting on February 28.

The council tax bill includes a charge for council services, policing, the fire service and, for the first time, a charge for the Greater Manchester mayor.

Residents living in Saddleworth and Shaw and Crompton also face additional parish charges which are set by Saddleworth Parish Council and Shaw and Crompton Parish Council.

Oldham's increase this year is lower compared to other boroughs including Tameside, Rochdale and Stockport which are proposing a 4.99 per cent rise and most have proposed an increase in the adult social care levy. Manchester Council is recommending a 3.49 per cent increase.

However the borough still has one of the highest rates in Greater Manchester.

Oldham Council's deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and HR, Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE said the council did not want to increase council tax to this level and it was done with "a heavy heart".

But he said they are facing an unprecedented strain on children's service due to an increase in demand and blamed year on year Government cuts.