Council taxpayers across the South East are facing increases in their bills again this year.

Surrey County Council has proposed a 4.99% rise, West Sussex 2.99% while East Sussex has agreed a 1.99% hike.

Meanwhile, Kent County Council, which is proposing an increase of just under 3%, is considering selling buildings to balance its books.

Any rises would add pressure on people also facing hikes in National Insurance and energy bills from April.

Surrey County Council’s Conservative-led cabinet recommended a 4.99% council tax rise in January.

It would mean a Band D household would have to pay £1,626 for the year, an extra £77.31 a year.

Council leader Tim Oliver said: “Four per cent of this 4.99% increase is all about delivering care to vulnerable residents; this is not about paying for back office costs.

“The rise in the adult social care precept is unavoidable if we want to deliver this ambition and look after residents most in need.”

West Sussex County Council’s portion of the 2022/23 council tax is set to rise by 2.99% – an increase of more than £45 on a Band D bill.

The increase was supported during a meeting of the cabinet on 1 February.

Made up of a 1.99% core increase and a one per cent precept for adult social care, the rise would see Band D bills rise from £1,510.56 to £1,555.74.

The budget goes before the full council on 18 February.

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