A RECOMMENDED council tax rise of 3.5 per cent was agreed by councillors at a cabinet meeting last night.

The rise will mean an extra £33.25 for Band D householders, who can now expect to pay £1170 per year.

Councillors claimed that the budget continues the council's efforts to regenerate and transform Swindon, and sited shortfalls in government funding as a major obstacle to this aim.

Leader of the council Rod Bluh praised the rise as fair and affordable.

He said: "We have once again delivered affordable tax rates, which is what I believe the people of Swindon want us to do."

Coun Nick Martin, cabinet member for resources, delivered the revenue budget for cabinet approval, saying it was the result of genuine consultation with the taxpayers.

He said: "We have really listened to people and taken on board what was said in consultation.

"We recognise that there are a lot of people on low income who cannot afford to spend a lot, and we also recognise that people want improved services and new buildings.

"Some solid choices have been made."

Coun Martin pointed out that Swindon receives a far lower grant settlement than other similar authorities.

He said: "If we were an average unitary authority we would be receiving £21m more for 2008/09.

"To put this in context the level of grant we actually receive is £49m below the average."

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Strategic Planning, said lack of Government funding was inexplicable.

He said: "What does this council have to do to put the case for Swindon - not as a Conservative council, but as a town?

"What does this council have to do to make the government understand that we are effectively being screwed over?"

The recommended council tax rise will be put to the full council on February 25.