Suffolk County Council is planning to increase council tax for the first time in seven years in its budget for the year ahead.

It will go up by 1.99% along with proposals to cut spending by £27m.

The council plans to save £12m in adult and community services by working with care providers to 'manage future pricing structures'.

Health, wellbeing and children’s services will save £250,000 by adopting digital technology, maximising income and working with libraries to agree a fixed price contract for next four years.

Other savings will come from fire and public safety trading standards, health and safety and reducing Citizens Advice grants.

An 'evidence-based approach' will reduce highways maintenance requirements and corporate services will save £9.7 million.

In its statement the council has not said whether any jobs will be at risk.

Cllr Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for finance and transformation, said: 'This is the first step of our budget setting process and I believe we are putting forward proposals that offer the best approach possible, given the clear and present challenges we face.'