ALCESTER and Studley residents face a council tax increase of almost five per cent from April.

At a meeting this week Warwickshire County Council voted to increase tax for a Band D property by 4.91 per cent, or 94p a week, to £1,045.21.

In an historic vote, all three political parties voted unanimously in favour of the 2007/8 budget after more than nine hours of debate.

Councillor Alan Farnell, council leader, said: "All three parties have compromised and we've ended up with a budget which we agree is the best we can agree in the circumstance for the people of Warwickshire.

"We're particularly pleased to continue our policy on improving access to Warwickshire County Council's services for our residents.

"All three parties have today agreed to seek a ministerial meeting to discuss better funding from central Government in the future."

The issue of Government funding for Warwickshire schools has been raised by Stratford-on-Avon MP John Maples.

In the latest funding tables the county was placed 129 out of 149 Local Education Authorities for Government funding.

While schools in London receive around £7,090 a year per pupil and Birmingham schools £4,270 for each student, schools in Warwickshire will receive just £3,620 per pupil.

"This is a staggering difference in funding per pupil which surely can't be fair.

"I've taken this up with the Secretary of State," said Mr Maples.