COUNCIL tax in Trafford will rise by 2.99 percent – the equivalent of £60 per year – and the controversial green bin charge has been scrapped, as part of the borough’s first Labour budget in 15 years.

The move comes as the cash-strapped council tasked itself with making almost £14 million in savings.

Political leaders were split over some budget proposals and how they will impact residents, businesses and the environment.

However, council chief Andrew Western said he has delivered a budget that protects jobs, services and invests in local firms.

The latest meeting saw councillors approve the authority’s finances for 2019/20.

Proposals include a council tax rise of 2.99 per cent plus 1 per cent to help fund adult social care — and the controversial green bin charge has been scrapped.

However, the cost to park in council-owned car parks will increase.

From April, drivers will pay 50p to park for 30 minutes, up from 20p.

Under the plans, it will be £1 for up to two hours and between £2 to £5 for longer stays ­— a move which will generate £84,000.

On Thursday, finance boss Mike Cordingley, who was tasked with making £14 million worth of savings, said he was proud of the budget.

He said the council has committed to invest in "affordable" homes, improve air quality and protect green belt land.

But Tory leader Sean Anstee tabled an amendment calling for a freeze on council tax to help low-income families and for the reintroduction of weekly grey bin collections.

He also argued an increase in car parking charges would damage high street businesses.

However, the cash used to subsidise those changes would have seen millions wiped from the council’s reserves.

“If the changes are adopted they would allow the council to set a legal budget,” he said.

“And if Conservative councillors are successful during May’s elections, we will be able to hold the Labour-run council to account,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Ray Bowker, who agreed on a 10-point coalition deal with Labour last year, said: “While in control the Tories deteriorated the provision of youth services, introduced an unfair bin tax and signed an inferior environmental services contract with their long term contractor Amey.

“However, I’m delighted to say the partnership between Labour and the Lib Dems has been extremely successful.

“We have scrapped the bin tax, made significant savings, and still presented a balanced and robust budget.”

Meanwhile, Green Party leader Geraldine Coggins labelled the budget a "mixed bag" and argued it "lacked ambition".

“We’re very pleased to see the end of the green bin tax,” she said.

“This is something we have been calling for since it was introduced.

“However, we are deeply concerned that there is no mention of climate change in this budget.

“How can we plan our income, spending and savings for the next three years, without mention of the greatest crisis facing Trafford residents?”

She continued: “If we are to succeed in avoiding catastrophic climate change, it requires local authorities to step up to the mark and take a lead.

“Unfortunately, this budget is doing nothing of the sort – and we will not support it.”

Labour boss Cllr Western agreed the "austerity" budget wasn’t perfect ­— and offered to meet Cllr Coggins to discuss climate change issues.

“However, some of what the Conservatives said tonight was economic nonsense ­— and financially irresponsible,” he argued.

“The Tory budget amendments are frankly preposterous.

“There are no plans to charge drivers to park until 8pm in this budget.

“If you park for more than 30 minutes or longer people will actually pay less.

“And we are supporting town centres by providing £500,000 of funding for a small loan scheme.”

He continued: “However, Sean Anstee CBE was awarded the gong for services to local government ­— and yet with tonight’s amendment you did it a disservice.

“You put forward an amendment that you knew was irresponsible in a desperate attempt to write your election leaflets while wrecking this authority’s finances.

“And that, Cllr Anstee, is unforgivable.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Western said he took ‘no pleasure’ in putting forward the austerity budget.

“But we are faced with saving more than £28 million and huge financial uncertainties as a result of Brexit,” he added.

“The situation for local  government is a national disgrace, however, we have proven that it is this administration which protects services, jobs and listens to residents and has the ability to cope with the challenges ahead.”