AN inflation-busting rise in council tax and more cuts to services are in the pipeline for Wirral householders when the town hall cabinet meets next Monday to table its budget proposals for the coming year.

The council's current cash crisis has been described as the "most challenging ever" and comes on the back of years of seeing its funding slashed by Government.

A tax hike of 4.99% is being recommended by the ruling Labour group along with a range of savings and schemes to raise revenue.

The rise includes a 3% precept to help relieve a financial crisis in adult social care and children's services, which were heading to bust their budgets by £3.4m and £5.3m respectively.

In his introduction to the proposals council leader Cllr Phil Davies said: “As austerity policies continue the council’s budget position does not get any easier.

"We are in fact facing our biggest ever financial challenge, with a requirement to reduce our spending – or raise income – by £45m just next year, as part of a programme of reductions of more than £130m by 2021.

“This inevitably requires difficult proposals be put on the table for investigation, review and debate."

An income increase of £400k per year is expected from garden waste collection subscriptions by raising the charge by £5 to £45 and removing the £5 discount for those who join the scheme online.

And the £200,000 budget divided between Wirral’s four Constituency Committees will also bite the dust, although this is said to be a  one-off saving and funding will be reinstated next year.

A cabinet budget meeting in December agreed the following:

Improving Efficiency - £38 million The council needs to be well organised and efficient, and make progress towards achieving better value for money.

Over the next four years, the council is proposing to save £38 million by renegotiating contracts, improving the way money is managed and invested, and getting the best possible value from every pound available.

Redesigning Services - £40 million A programme to redesign all council services including leisure and culture, making sure they meet residents’ needs at a reduced cost to the taxpayer, is underway.

Detailed consultation with residents on the proposals will be delivered in early 2017.

Generating Income - £56 million Accepting the Government’s offer of a 'four year settlement' brings the requirement to agree an annual council tax rise.

This, coupled with charging a fair price for ‘paid for services’ will bring significant new income to the council.

Plans are also being progressed to increase how many new homes are built in the borough.

With more than 13,000 approved planning applications already on the books, a big increase in house building will deliver millions in additional revenue.

Your Globe will bring you the latest updates on our website after Monday's meeting, which begins at 10am.