Buckinghamshire residents look set to pay an additional £37 in council tax next year, after council chiefs approved the last ever county council budget this week.

On Monday, Bucks County Council’s (BCC) cabinet agreed the final budget before the new unitary authority is launched in April next year.

Members agreed to recommend a 2.99 per cent council tax increase to full council on Thursday next week, which is the equivalent of 71p a week extra for a band D home.

The extra cash will be ploughed into children’s services – which has faced ongoing pressures this year as demands continue to rise.

More funding has also been earmarked for adult social care, road repairs and weed killing in towns and villages across the county.

The county and district councils are also set to receive extra funding as part of new pilot which will see them hold on to 75 per cent of business rates, rather than 50 per cent.

Leader of BCC, Martin Tett, said: “What cabinet has agreed is a measured, prudent and sound set of proposals that deliver a robust and balanced budget.

“Although, there continues to be significant risks and uncertainties going forward, we're in very good shape overall.

"Of course, we've had to take and continue to take difficult decisions, but these have allowed us to continue our strong focus on funding the key priorities that residents tell us they want.

"I'm proud of this council's continued financial stewardship and the fact that the position we will transfer to the new council is both sound and sustainable.

“I'm sure the new council will appreciate inheriting such a favourable and positive financial standing which will provide a solid base for future service planning."

"Can I also add my thanks to David Watson and the work of his budget select committee who undertook such a detailed scrutiny of our budget plans.

“I've said before that this council's budget scrutiny process is probably the toughest of any county council in the country.

“At the end of the day, our plans are all the better for it."