FAREHAM will have one of the lowest council tax demands in the county from April.

Finance chiefs will meet this week to give the provisional go-ahead to a rise of three per cent.

It would mean the average Band D household will be asked to find an additional £3.87 a year, raising the annual amount to £132.57, though Hampshire County Council's tax demand, and those of the police and fire service have to be added on.

Bosses at the council said it would be the tenth year in row their residents had benefited from matching or below inflation increases, but added the move would not impact on the services Fareham taxpayers receive.

It will also mean Fareham residents will once again pay the lowest levels of council tax in the county, as those living in the district do not have to pay parish contributions as part of their council tax.

Among spending plans being drawn up for the coming years, the council plans to spend £300,000 on public loos, £200,000 on the Seafield Park sports pitches, £100,000 on a new Whiteley play and £310,000 on Burridge community facilities.

A further £100,000 is also being earmarked to set up new neighbourhood forums.

The proposed tax rise is due to be ratified at a council meeting on February 22.