Bolton Council is encouraging people to have their say on proposals to increase council tax by 4.99%.
The proposed rise is not new and was included in budget proposals announced and consulted on last December and January.
The spending plans were agreed by the council in February and cover to the end of the 2027 financial year.
However, the council is legally required to set council tax charges and consult on its Best Value Duty every year, meaning that people will have a second opportunity to voice their views.
Last year, better-than-expected funding from the central government allowed for a reduction in the council’s savings target.
But it still had to find cuts of £7.8m over two years.
Although the government’s Fair Funding Review changes how funding is allocated to councils this year, Bolton will continue to receive the Recovery Grant of £9.2m in each of the next three years.
The additional funding is helping to cover the rapidly rising costs of social care for both children and adults.
However, the council’s plans factor in a 4.99% rise in council tax, without which it would have to consider cuts to services.
A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:
“Bolton Council is in a reasonably robust financial position with established plans to deliver efficiencies, but following years of austerity, cuts and inflation, we face the challenge of rising demand for services that are getting costlier to provide.
“Our absolute focus is on protecting vital services for the people of Bolton while meeting our legal responsibility to deliver a balanced budget.”
The consultation runs from Monday, December 15 until midday on Monday, January 12.
Residents can have their say by completing the questionnaire on the council website.
To request a paper copy, ring the consultation team on 01204 334875, leaving your name, contact details and address, plus the title of the consultation: 'Council tax consultation'.