We pay far too much council tax anyway especially what we're getting for it

Norman Cresswell, Wrexham resident

Wrexham homeowners have seen large increases in council tax before - the biggest hike was between 1998 and 2000 - it rose more than 10% each year.

Local residents like Mary Wood have had enough: "At the moment I think that its much too high without putting it higher again.

"I think its a bit of a rip-off on the quiet and we should go back to the old rating system."

Norman Cresswell from Wrexham said the council should speak to residents about how they want the money spent.

He was relieved that council tax would not increase by 9%: "It usually goes up so it makes a change.

Council tax in Wrexham rose by 3.8% in 2001

"We pay far too much council tax anyway especially what we're getting for it."

Wrexham officers expect to receive more than �260,000 extra from the assembly which could see vital services improved.

The assembly's climbdown comes after representatives from the local authority entered into negotiations with ministerial staff.

Confirmation came from Welsh Finance Minister Edwina Hart: "This excellent settlement, which increases the assembly's grant support for councils in Wales by more than 8%, will boost public services and improve the quality of life for the people of Wales."

She added: "I am also announcing the final settlement earlier than in previous years, to give local authorities greater time to plan their budgets."

Extra money

Leader of the council Shan Wilkinson said: "I'm delighted that Edwina Hart has listened to our representations and reviewed the council's allocation."

She added: "It is a sign of the maturing relationship that is developing between local authorities and the assembly."

Wrexham council officers have said the extra money could be spent on implementing free bus travel for pensioners and providing better social services.

Director of Finance Martyn Scholes said: "The final settlement grant allocation is much better than we thought likely.

"It follows a period of detailed examination and discussion of the grant proposals with assembly officials."

Assembly ministers will meet next week to formally approve the grant increase.