Pembrokeshire County Council has approved a council tax rise of 4.5 per cent for 2015-16.

The increase will result in a Band D payment of £801.04 - a rise of £34.49.

The final amount which council tax payers will be required to pay will also include sums for their town or community council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed- Powys.

The county council budget has been developed against the backdrop of the two most difficult financial settlements from the Welsh Government since the council's inception in 1996.

This cost reduction/efficiency target for 2015-16 is £12.3m, primarily as a direct consequence of the loss of grant from the Welsh Government.

Clr. Jamie Adams, council leader, said the council tax rise of 4.5 per cent was a regrettable, but unavoidable consequence.

"The forward planning assumptions agreed by the council in March last year were overtaken by a much more aggressive settlement outcome than originally signalled," he said.

"This is coupled with an increase in anticipated pay, price and demographic pressures.

"The key challenge is to protect those services which impact upon the most vulnerable in our communities.

"Our recent consultations with residents have resulted in a clear message about the services that are valued, and our budget decisions reflect our determination to provide innovative solutions to our residents' demands."

To view the county council budget 2015-2016, please view agenda item five at (please open link below): http://mgenglish.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/Published/C00000285/M00003150/">http://mgenglish.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/Published/C00000285/M00003150/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf?LLL=0