A council tax rise of 3.25% for Derby residents was decided at last nights full council meeting after the Conservatives forced the Lib Dem administration to scrap their plans for a much larger increase.

The Conservatives proposal put forward to achieve a 2.5% increase was voted down by both Labour and the Lib Dems meaning a compromise was needed to agree a budget for the City. Conservative leader Philip Hickson said, "It is clear that the political situation in the council is such that no one group can deliver its budget and compromises and accommodations have to be made."

" We look forward to offering the people of Derby no council tax increase at all should we take control of this council in next years local elections and there is a new Conservative Government. All the people of Derby get from Labour and the Lib Dems are large increases in Council Tax year-on-year. " he continued.

The Conservatives also forced the Lib Dem Administration to adopt several key proposals in their budget, including;

£170,000 given to local Neighbourhood Boards to spend on Footway and Pavement improvements and repairs / highways projects.

A reduction in the council's overall salary costs by 1%. Assurances having been made by the council that this proposal could be met without compulsory redundancies.

Retention of Derby Community Transport services that were going to be cut by the Lib Dem Council. This is a service that many elderly and disabled residents in the City rely upon.

Retention of the Council House Cash Office that was being closed by the Lib Dem Council.