GLOUCESTERSHIRE could see its lowest ever rise in council tax next year.

The county council has proposed an increase of just 2.9 per cent, a below inflation tax rise.

A spokesman for the council said: "For the past few months we have been talking to residents and asking them how they want their money to be spent and one of the key messages was keep our council tax low."

However county Lib Dem councillors have slammed the proposal, saying that it will result in over £900,000 being cut from education spending.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Lib Dem leader said: "Just like the Government’s budget, the devil is in the detail, after the headlines about the council tax rise the facts are revealed and the picture is grim. Major projects to support our county schools and children are being shelved."

Cllr Barry Dare, leader of the council, said: "Whatever budget is finally approved, I want to ensure that we invest heavily in frontline services to improve the lives of all Gloucestershire residents.

"We are living in difficult times with the recession upon us and the council is in the same position as many county residents with our Government funding being less than what we really need.

"Despite this, we have managed to keep council tax low and increase spending in the frontline services that really matter to you."