A COUNCIL tax increase of 4.79 per cent will benefit “every single community and neighbourhood in Renfrewshire,” the local authority has claimed.

A decision to impose the highest council tax rise possible was rubber-stamped by Renfrewshire Council at its budget meeting earlier today.

It means those living in a Band D property will have to pay an extra £1.10 per week – equivalent to an annual rise of £57 – from April 1.

READ MORE: SNP wins fight to pass Renfrewshire Council budget

Local authorities across Scotland are being allowed to increase council tax in 2019/20 by a maximum of 4.79 per cent as a result of a deal agreed when the Scottish Government produced its annual budget earlier this year.

A number of councils, including neighbouring East Renfrewshire, have decided to peg this year's increase at three per cent, in line with similar hikes imposed across Scotland in recent years.

A total of £1.3million of income generated by Renfrewshire Council's decision to hit residents with the maximum increase possible will be ringfenced to drive an investment in local roads and schools.

The council's £412m budget for 2019/20 includes a £79m package of one-off and longer-term investments.

This will see an additional £29m invested in school buildings and £40m over the next five years towards Renfrewshire's roads, pathways and cycling routes.

Further targeted investments totalling £4.3m aim to protect the most vulnerable people in local communities, support inclusive economic growth, improve the environment, breathe new life into community facilities and enhance cultural participation.

The budget also confirms the council’s £324m capital investment programme and supports national policies such as the expansion of free early years childcare.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “Our budget is based on doing what is right for Renfrewshire today and tomorrow.

"That’s why we are making major investments which will bring long-lasting benefit over the coming years and putting in place funds which will benefit every single community and neighbourhood in Renfrewshire.

“We are making a massive investment in our children and young people, matching their commitment to learning by providing the best possible learning environments.

“And our roads investment is the single biggest ever of its kind in Renfrewshire, making journeys safer and easier and improving business connectivity.

"These significant works will complement new developments and ongoing town centre improvements and make it easier for visitors to enjoy all Renfrewshire has to offer.”

Five-year funding for Renfrewshire's roads is in addition to the existing City Deal infrastructure projects in the region, while the budget sets aside £5.5m to support regeneration to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area and provide greater economic connectivity between Paisley town centre and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.

Funds for school buildings will enable the council to unlock money from the Scottish Government’s £1billion school investment fund.

There will also be immediate investment in improving facilities at Bishopton Primary, Kirklandneuk Primary, in Renfrew, St Anthony’s Primary, in Johnstone, and Paisley Grammar School.

READ MORE: Tories slam SNP's Renfrewshire Council budget as 'worst of both worlds'

In addition, defibrillators will be installed across all secondary schools in Renfrewshire.

Music tuition will remain free in local schools for the next four years, through a £500,000 investment.

The Provost’s School Exchange Fund is being established to support cultural exchanges for pupils and school road safety is to be bolstered by the development of a safety initiative team to tackle irresponsible parking in and around schools.

A total of £1.4m has been set aside for adult social care services in a bid to enable Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to meet increasing demand and care cost pressures.

There is a three per cent increase in the allowance for foster and kinship carers in recognition of the contribution they make to the most vulnerable children and young people.

In addition, council chiefs have made a commitment to help secure the Living Wage for all care staff working with Renfrewshire residents.

The budget also includes funds for more staff to be trained in supporting victims of domestic abuse.

A total of £2.3m will be spent on community halls, prioritising a full refurbishment of the McKillop Institute, in Lochwinnoch, Elderslie Village Hall and the South End Action Centre, in Paisley, alongside repairs to Steeple Hall, in Kilbarchan.

Renfrewshire Leisure will receive funds to develop a library outreach service and there is also cash for improvements to the pond at Barshaw Park, in Paisley.

Initiatives to support inclusive economic growth include further funds for businesses to improve their shop fronts, enhanced warden provision in Paisley town centre and money to improve priority road markings.

New multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins will replace existing bins and there are tree works planned across key locations.

Councillor Nicolson added: “Our budget reflects our ongoing commitment to listen to what our communities are telling us and respects their role as partners in building success for the region over the coming years.

“It treats people fairly and builds on our multi-year investments made last year to support employability, tackle poverty and enhance the local environment.”

Also included in the budget are commitments not to introduce a workforce parking levy or any form of new household waste collection charges.

The budget includes £19m of efficiency savings, building on the £117m worth of savings delivered by the council since 2010.

READ MORE: SNP face fight to force through Renfrewshire Council budget

Councillor John Shaw, Renfrewshire's finance, resources and customer services convener, said: “We are in a stable financial position and this has enabled us to put forward such a positive budget.

“At the same time, we understand the challenging financial outlook facing all local councils and that’s why our investments support our priorities beyond the financial year and safeguard services for the future.”

Read more of the latest news from Renfrewshire and beyond