SENIOR councillors at County Hall have agreed to a council tax rise.

Essex County Council’s cabinet passed the 1.49 per cent rise following a freeze on council tax for three years.

The rise amounts to £16.19p a year on a Band D home. To get the go-ahead a final decision will bemade by the full council on February 11.

Councillors agreed to spend £89million on road and footwaysmaintenance, including repairing potholes.

A further £91million will be spent on other road and transport schemes and £435,000 to tackle domestic violence.

Other spending plans include £1million on facilities for young people and £1.4million on care for people with physical and mental disabilities.

The authority will receive £30million less from the Government in the next financial year and needs to save at least £235million by 2017.