RESIDENTS are being encouraged to comment on South Gloucestershire Council's spending plans for the coming year - including a proposed 4.5 per cent increase in council tax - and also on its future priorities.

Each year, the council consults council taxpayers and other groups on options for its budget and council tax.

This year it is also consulting on its draft council plan and proposals for major new projects.

Council leader Cllr John Calway, who heads the Conservative administration currently running the politically "hung" council, said: "We believe our budget proposals will significantly improve the services and facilities our residents can enjoy.

"By continuing the drive to make the council more efficient and delivering savings, we will be able to do this with the third lowest council tax rise in the council's history."

He said the budget would see real improvements across the district, including more than £1million of new funding to enable weekly food waste collections, along with other recycling improvements, to be introduced.

"We are also proposing a series of flagship projects to transform the facilities our residents can use and enjoy.

"These include a new sports pavilion complex at Emersons green and a major refurbishment of Kingswood Leisure Centre, with each scheme costing £2million.

"We are also prioritising investment to support our elderly and vulnerable residents.

"As a result of an ageing population with increasing needs and expectations we will invest £10million in new elderly housing schemes and £2.5million in a new facility for people with learning difficulties."

The council's strong record for funding frontline services would continue over the next three years, said Cllr Calway.

By the end of that period almost £10million would be moved out of administrative functions into frontline services.

The budget consultation process sets out the principles on which the council's spending plans for day-to-day services will be based.

As part of the process the council is holding meetings to brief members of the public and give them an opportunity to comment on the options.

One such meeting is set to go ahead this evening at Bradley Stoke Community School (7pm).

Alternatively, for a copy of the consultation document or to have a say, email budget@southglos.go.uk and follow the links from the council website www.southglos.gov.uk.

People can also write to Budget Consultation, South Gloucestershire Council, Castle Street, Thornbury, BS35 1HF.

A copy of the consultation document can also be picked up at any of the main council offices.

The council will consider consultation responses before it makes its final budget decisions in February.