A council tax rise of 3.5 per cent for households across Wolverhampton – the lowest in 15 years – is due to be approved tonight.

The full council is meeting to set the budget for the 2009/10 financial year, which includes a plan to raise council tax. The increase would see the average Band D rate for households go up by £49 a year.

The budget has been drawn up by the ruling Tory-Liberal Democrat alliance. The opposition Labour group is expected to draw up an alternative budget.

The meeting is also expected to attract residents of Sweetman Street’s bungalows for the disabled and Underhill House residential care home in Fallings Park, both of which face closures as part of cuts.

It starts at 5.45pm at the Civic Centre and is open to the public.