Pembrokeshire residents face council tax and rent hikes after cabinet backed proposed increases today (Monday), as the leader of the council predicts tough times ahead.

At the first cabinet meeting of the new year members voted in favour of the recommended plans to increase council tax by 3.4% for the next financial year, a slight reduction on last year's 4.2% rise.

If approved, the increase will see council tax for a band D property increase by £22.62 to £687.96.

The leader of the council, Councillor John Davies, said it was important the cabinet were 'honest and pragmatic' and said the increase would enable the council to maintain services, although there would be challenges to service provision.

"Over the last few years we have seen a significant drop in the financial support we receive from national government, which is understandable given the state of the public purse.

"I have no doubt that we shall see even further cuts after the next election whichever party is in power," he said.

Council house rent payers also face an increase of 2% with an average weekly rent expected to increase from £59.24 to £60.42, which will take affect from April 5th.

Cllr Davies said: "It is business as usual in Pembrokeshire with a slight difference to how we deliver services.

"With an increase of less than 50p a week per household it will enable us to balance the books, maintain services and invest.

"We cannot escape the fact that hard times are upon us," he added.

The recommendation will now be referred to all four of the council's overview and scrutiny committees for consideration and a final decision will be made at full council on February 25th.