Residents in the South Bucks district, including Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, are facing a council tax increase of £5 next year as the leader of the district council warned of the “many challenges” they face along with other districts in the county.

South Bucks District Councillors last night agreed their budget for 2016/17, which includes the tax increase for a band D property, as council leader Ralph Bagge warned of the challenges they are faced with as they move towards becoming self-sufficient from central government.

Cllr Bagge said he was “very pleased” that the council’s reserves will be strengthened in the new budget, with an extra £607,000 added as the council look to invest in projects to cut costs and generate more money, like “much-needed” extra parking in town centres.

While they hope to continue improving services to residents, cllr Bagge said they face “many challenges” including providing temporary accommodation for homeless families.

The budget has also created an economic development reserve of £50,000, which will help the council secure funding for infrastructure improvements from major sponsors, including Western rail access to Heathrow, HS2 and Heathrow Airport Limited, all of whom cllr Bagge said are brining projects that could have “potentially harmful impact” on the district.

Work to secure the best mitigation possible with HS2 will also continue, as will development on the Joint Local Plan with Chiltern.

Cllr Bagge said: “We are doing much to find savings including continuing with the joint working programme with Chiltern District Council, which will add to the £1.5 million per annum of savings already realised, whilst maintaining and improving services to residents.”