Warwick District Council has voted to freeze council tax for a second year in a row, despite the warning of councillors who said it was "folly" and would "hit the long term budget".

Liberal Democrats at last week's full council meeting proposed a 2.99 per cent increase to the council's precept, amounting to an annual £5 increase for band D properties.

The group also proposed investing £105,000 in a cost of living scheme and £200,000 for WDC's biodiversity programme. 

Lib Dem leader Cllr Alan Boad said it was irresponsible not to increase council tax and to take money out of reserves to cover the shortfall in the budget.

"We thought you had learned the lesson from last year, when we had the same argument, that you're taking money permanently out of the budget," he said at last week's meeting.

"Well blow me, you're doing it again. That is just ridiculous."

He added: "That's your gift to the residents in the year - £5. And you're cutting permanent money going forward when we have a deficit. 

"I can't understand how you're doing this, having read the report, how on earth can you come up with the conclusion that you have done?"

Former Conservative member Cllr David Norris - who left the leading group last December - urged his former colleagues not to follow the party line.

"The former David Norris was part of the Conservative group, we were whipped for that last vote and I am sure they have all been whipped today," he said.

"I don't think they were brave enough to give it an open vote for their councillors. 

"Having seen some of their flyers I think this was just another folly to get on a flyer so they can say 'we saved £5' - well it is a miniscule amount when you have a deficit and you're managing your finances by dipping into reserves. 

"We still haven't delivered anything substantial for climate change. This isn't a foolhardy vote, we are affecting the future of the council."

Despite this the amendment, which was backed by Green councillors, was voted down by the Tory, Labour and Whitnash Residents Association groups.

Freeze Agreed

Instead councillors approved the Tory' proposed freeze in council tax, with a Labour amendment also promising £52,000 per year to local food banks.

"Cost of living challenges are being faced by all our residents, regardless of their council tax bands," explained deputy leader Cllr Richard Hales. 

"We will ensure that the most vulnerable in our district pay no council tax at all. We are in this together. 

"Together I am confident we will prevail thanks to the carefully thought-through package of support and investment plans that this budget offers."

Cllr Dave Skinner added: "Reserves, for me, are for when they are needed in a crisis. 

"We are in a crisis. We have been in a crisis for the last two or three years now, and this is what we are trying to do to help people out. 

"Not just support for those needing it, there is a principle that we are understanding what the vast majority of our residents expect of us. 

"Any rise will be seen as we are not helping them when they are in need."

The council also agreed to increase the maximum reduction payable under the local council tax reduction scheme from 85 per cent to 100 per cent.

Elsewhere Warwickshire County Council, Kenilworth Town Council and Warwickshire Police have all voted to increase their council tax precepts