THE financial crisis at Congleton Borough Council is likely to continue, despite householders in Sandbach, Alsager and Holmes Chapel bracing themselves for one of the highest Council Tax rises in Cheshire.

Councillors set an increase of 4.95% to help cover the £1.2m in savings needed in the coming financial year.

The rise means the borough's Council Tax share will rise on Band D properties from £140.91 to £147.88.

Added to other precepts, this means an overall rise from £1,181.68 last year to £1,220.42 in April.

It comes less than 12 months after the Conservative-controlled administration at Westfields boasted that its 3.9% increase in bills last April was the lowest in Cheshire.

Head of resources Pat Main added: 'The council has to fund above-inflation rises in staff pay awards and pensions, along with increases in gas and electricity costs.'