HEREFORDSHIRE Council has voted unanimously for a 1.9 per cent council tax rise.

The 2013/14 budget and future financial strategy was also backed by a big majority at this morning's full council meeting.

The extent of the cuts in that strategy to cover the council's £10m shortfall on the 2013/14 budget was outlined by the Hereford Times earlier this month.

Another 100-120 job losses across the council are also expected.

At the meeting the council was challenged by opposition members to push the council tax rise up to the 2 per cent that would trigger a referendum.

But the eventual vote for the rise was unanimous.

Voting figures for the budget and financial strategy were:

FOR: 32

AGAINST: 11

ABSTAINED: 11

The council's 2013/14 capital programme - outlined by the Hereford Times last week - was backed by a similar margin.