EAST Lindsey's share of the council tax bill looks likely to rise by 2.46 per cent.

The executive board of East Lindsey District Council has announced its proposed budget for 2010/11 and its part of the council tax looks set to increase by less than 5p per week for the majority of people living in the district.

The council said that through good financial management in the past 12 months, they have been able to save almost £1 million in its overall revenue budget.

These savings have been made by freezing vacancies when people have left the council; a less than expected national pay increase for employees; an increase in car parking throughput partly due to the success of the SO and SEAS festivals and a number of large planning applications.

Cllr Colin Davie, portfolio holder for finance, said the proposed budget for 2010/2011 will deliver a further £744,000 of savings, with a minimal impact on the services received by the local community.

Cllr Davie said: "Like councils across the country we're fighting to balance the books. With an expected reduction in Government funding this council will need to make between £5 million and £8 million of savings over the next few years and the year after next (2011/12) will be particularly difficult.

"We're taking steps early to ensure we're in the best possible position to make these savings with the least impact on the community, particularly those who are the most vulnerable." Cllr Davie's budget was supported by the executive board and will be put before the full council for a wider debate next Wednesday (March 3).