Scaffolders are to be hit with a 9% rise in charges – after a last-ditch bid to lighten the load was voted out.

From April, those wanting to erect scaffolding will have to pay £60 for the first six weeks the structure is there – an increase from £55 (9.1%).

Firms will have to pay the same amount to keep it there for every eight weeks after following a similar rise.

Despite a last minute bid from Conservative councillors to reduce the rise to an inflationary 2.5%, the plan was voted through by other elected members.

The local authority said the increase was to bring it up to the same level of charging as neighbouring authorities.

Conservative councillor Graham Cox said: “I think it is an unnecessary tax on the very people we should be encouraging to get on with construction, building and renewing our beautiful buildings.”

In response, Green councillor Christopher Hawtree said: “I’m not sure any business will collapse because they cannot afford an extra £3.50 for scaffolding.”

The same report will also see dog breeding fees increase from £45 to £200 (a rise of 344%). However, parking prices will be largely frozen, with some even going down.

The charges form part of the council’s budget which will be discussed by all members in February.