RESIDENTS in the Caer-philly borough are getting one of the lowest council tax increases in Wales, the authority announced yesterday. Council tax is set to rise by just 2.4 per cent (£16.61).

In Newport the tax will rise by 7.3 per cent while Mon-mouthshire will raise its tax by 7.9 per cent. Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent have not set their rate for the next year.

Band D householders in the Caerphilly area will now pay £734.26 a year - which includes a police precept increased by 16.8 per cent adding £20.02.

Councillor Colin Mann, cabinet member for resources, said: "The figure we have, we are fairly sure, it will be the lowest in Wales."

The council revealed an £800,000 investment programme and other plans including expanding the kerbside recycling scheme and appointing town centre managers and community regeneration officers.

And £5.5 million goes to education - mostly funding pay rises for teachers.

The council will invest £350,000 on its policy of having a child on every seat with £500,000 outlined for school improvements.

Council leader, Councillor Lindsay Whittle said the council had managed to maintain services at a high standard and still keep enough reserves for development and improvement in its services.