Tax payers face big rise

Councillors will vote on the final figure early next year

People in Brighton and Hove have been told to expect a rise of 16.5% in their council tax bill next year - more than six times the rate of inflation.

Brighton and Hove City Council said the increase was based on a predicted £14m shortfall in its budget for the year 2004 to 2005.

The costs of police and fire services may add to the heavier burden for tax payers, the council said.

The proposed increase compares poorly to the 9% rise suggested by Kent County Council and East and West Sussex County Councils.

Face difficulties

However, Medway Council in Kent has announced a possible 25% rise in its bills - the highest proposed in the country.

Brighton and Hove councillors will vote on the final figures early next year.

They will be contained in a report by finance officers to be presented to Brighton and Hove City Council's Policy and Resources Committee on 10 December.

A council spokesman said: "All Sussex councils are likely to face difficulties in containing the level of their council tax increases next year."

Budget pressures

He stressed that the 16.5% rise, more than six times the 2.7% inflation rate, was only an initial figure.

It follows last week's announcement by the government of a 3.6% rise in grant for the authority.

Officials said the government grant was failing to keep pace with the escalating costs of services, where it is difficult to control demand.

"Greatest budget pressures are typically coming from caring services such as residential care for elderly people and looked-after children," he said.

The council had initially predicted a shortfall of up to £18m but had taken measures to reduce it without affecting services, he added.