People living in Thanet are likely to see an increase in Council Tax payments.

Thanet District Council are considering putting the tax up by 1.97%.

The cabinet will be meeting next Tuesday, January 19 to discuss the budget proposals.

This rise results in an annual charge of £1,549.35 for an average Band D property in Ramsgate. The charge for a Band D property in Ramsgate during 2015-16 was £1,545.21.

The Budget 2016-17 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2016-20 report sets out how the council will balance its budget over the coming year.

A reduction in government funding will see the council lose out on £1.2 million in 2016-17 compared to this year, with the prospect of further cuts in future years.

The report reads: "There is an assumed 1.97% increase in the council tax that will be levied in 2016-17.

"Council Tax base for 2016-17 is 1.6% higher than the 2015-16 level and a 2% increase is expected for future years.

"This reflects the continuing efficiency of shared service arrangements for council tax collection, the operation of the Council Tax Reduction scheme and the increase in the number of households."

If approved, priority areas including waste and cleansing would be enhanced with investment in equipment and vehicles, free Saturday parking would be protected and investment sought for Ramsgate Port.

Proposals to cut council costs include; reviewing the council’s assets, putting more services online, a reduction in the shared service management fee and reducing the budgets for events and floral grants.

After being considered by the cabinet next week, a final decision will be made at a meeting of the full council on Thursday, February 4.