A cash-strapped council is set to consider early increases to its fees and charges in a bid to tackle its financial woes.

Social care costs and special waste collection charges are among the services that could see early increases under proposals to be considered by Windsor and Maidenhead’s council cabinet next week.

Venue hire costs for the Windsor Guildhall are also earmarked for a rise amid measures aimed at addressing ongoing budget pressures.

Council finance lead councillor Lynne Jones said: “The council’s financial position is challenging.

“Historical decisions taken in relation to the council's budget - including those around debt levels and council tax - are continuing to impact negatively and we need to look at all avenues so that we can continue to fund vital local services.”

However, cabinet will also be asked to approve opening a public consultation on changes to parking fees – which would propose freezing charges at Hines Meadow car park in Maidenhead and Victoria Street in Windsor for the first three hours.

The council will also propose alternative options on-street parking permit charges as part of the consultation.

Councillor Jones added: “Where we can, we will try to mitigate the impact of fee increases – including by freezing parking charges at the main town centre shopping car parks, and providing support to those who are least able to pay their Council Tax bills.

“We also have a comprehensive programme in place to support residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”

Windsor and Maidenhead council’s debt stands at £203m, while ongoing high interest rates have increased the costs of servicing the debt.

Cabinet was of the dire financial situation in its September meeting, with councillor Jones saying the council would do “everything we can” to avoid issuing a Section 114 notice.

Such a notice would declare the council unable to meet its spending commitments.

The officers’ report ahead of next week’s meeting reads: “The Royal Borough continues to have the lowest council tax in the country, outside of London. The low level of council tax results in an inability to raise funds to the same amount as other councils and provides the council with a lower level of income with which to fund services.

“This means that we need to look to other sources of income, to allow us to achieve a balanced budget.

“Our residents benefit from having lower council tax bills than households in neighbouring areas. However, this needs to be balanced by generating revenue from higher fees and charges in other areas, in order to support the delivery of essential services.”

The report will be considered by councillors at Windsor and Maidenhead’s cabinet meeting on November 29.