Local residents will have to pay higher rates as councillors look set to increase council tax rates by 4.95 per cent for 2018/19.

Monmouthshire County Councillors could also jack up prices for school meals, and school bus fares, as they try to stretch finances to cover public services hit hard by continuing budget cuts.

The council report suggests the 4.95 per cent increase will apply for 2018/19 alone, with council tax increases in the three years following reverting to 3.95 per cent.

Draft budget proposals revealed back in November that the council were looking to plug a budget shortfall of £482,000.

The proposals will be discussed by full council on St David’s Day.

Primary school meal charges could increase from £2.10 to £2.45, which the council say will raise £100,000.