Council tax is set to rise in South Gloucestershire as investments into environmental initiatives are made.

The budget proposed by South Gloucestershire Council would lead to a 3.99 per cent rise in council tax – including a two per cent precept for social care.

Under the plans almost £8million would be invested in green initiatives, as the council seeks to hit its target of the district becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Money would be spent on greener schools and transport as well as bolstering the council’s environmental enforcement team .

Other investments include £1.6million to improve social worker recruitment and retention and £240,000 to better prepare those leaving the care system.

There are also proposals for a two-year pilot community hub that seeks to enhance the support that our ex-armed servicemen and women - including opportunities for peer support and employment mentoring.

A further £30,000 is also being invested to support the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day by providing funding to community groups who would be looking to hold events.

Cllr Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Our prudent budget proposals respond to the priorities that our residents have told us are important to them – from investing in local services and our next generation to protecting our environment and responding to our changing climate.

“Our focus in last year’s budget was to invest in the next generation and we are continuing in this direction with focuses on more environmentally friendly schools, transport and communities.