KIRKLEES councillors are proposing to increase council tax by 1.6%.

Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan admits it may be “controversial” but says it’s needed to maintain services.

It follows a three-year freeze and means annual bills will rise by £15 for those on Band A up to £45 for those on the top band.

At last night’s cabinet meeting Clr Khan said they opted for 1.6% from April to limit the impact.

It follows a move by Calderdale Council to raise council tax by 2%.

Clr Khan said everyone needed to “share some of the burden and look at a very small but significant increase in council tax”.

The Labour Party leader said the rise of 1.6% would “cushion the impact on front line services which we know residents and businesses value greatly.”

It will need to be agreed at tonight’s meeting of the full council at Huddersfield Town Hall at 5pm.

If backed, council tax bills for Band A properties will increase by £15 from £934.31 to just over £949 and homes in the most expensive band, Band H, would see costs rise from £2,802.94 to more than £2,847.

Clr Khan added: “Other councillors will have the opportunity to debate how we make £26m worth of cuts.

“I believe a small rise on council tax for many people will be seen as a sensible way of maintaining our financial responsibilities in difficult times.”

He said that local authorities faced an “unprecedented” level of cuts from the Government.

Clr Khan added: “We need to support vulnerable communities and ensure that people who do pay council tax are given only a small increase to protect services.”

The cabinet also backed proposals to bring empty homes back into use, which would generate an extra £3m.

Under the Local Government Finance Act 2012 Kirklees can remove some council tax discounts meaning absent owners will no longer be able to claim discount if their property is empty, unfurnished or undergoing structural repair for more than two years, or if the property is a second home.

Cabinet member Clr Peter McBride said: “We want to put a little pressure on people to bring homes back into use. But that is just one side. We can help them get it back on the market and make a difference in a proactive way.”

It is estimated that around 7,250 homes will be affected by the changes which could generate £3.7m for the council.

And tonight all councillors will also be asked to consider a new council tax support scheme, which will see those currently receiving council tax benefit having to pay more to make up for a £3.3m shortfall.