CUMBRIA County Council's cabinet has agreed to recommend a 4.99 per cent increase in its share of the council tax for 2007/08.

The increase will amount to a rise of more than £50 a year for a Band D property and will be finalised at a county council budget meeting next Thursday (February 15).

The council has set aside £15 million to cover the costs of expected equal pay settlements from female workers such as cooks and cleaners, who have historically been paid lower rates than their male counterparts, following the employment tribunal judgement in March 2006.

The council is also hoping to save £10 million via a service review.