Council tax bills in Medway are set to increase again, with deputy leader Cllr Howard Doe (Con) admitting next year’s budget “will not be without pain”.

Draft proposals include plans to charge residents an extra 2.994% in 2019/20 – the maximum allowed without triggering a referendum – just a year after raising it by 5.994%, which included a social care precept.

But despite the increase, council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) said residents were getting a “good deal”.

He told cabinet members: “This draft budget is predicated on the increase in council tax for 2019/20 by 2.994%.

“That’s a fairly acceptable level as far as I’m concerned.

“We already have a historically very low council tax in comparison with the rest of Kent so, in that respect and many others, Medway residents are getting a good deal and long may that remain.”

Portfolio holders have been working on money-saving proposals with council officers to mitigate the cut in central government funding, but “little of this work has progressed significantly” to be included in the draft proposals.

Cllr Doe admitted the way Medway Council is having to plan is not an option “long-term”, but said he was proud the authority was still delivering frontline services including discretionary ones.

The deputy leader added: “We have to get some realisation that you can only limbo dance so long, and frankly we cannot keep on cutting, cutting and cutting because it just won’t work.

“This budget is very near the edge – while I have no doubt that we will balance the books, it will not be done without pain or without stretching the council, its employees, and those who benefit from our services.”

Cllr Martin Potter (Con), portfolio holder for educational attainment and improvement, added: “Yes, we have a challenge here but we’re in a much better position than many other local authorities across the country.

“That’s because of the decisions – often tough decisions – that have been made over many years by this Conservative administration.”