Council Tax set to rise

Band D households could be paying an extra 21.32 more in 2002/3 if the scrutiny committees and full council agree the increase in February.

This equates to 1.71 a month for Rother s contribution, which is around 10 per cent of the overall charge.

The increase was needed to cover a shortfall of 1m following a drop in interest rates after September 11 and a decision not to rely on using reserves to prop up the revenue account.

This year s council tax for a Band D householder was 81.85. This may now rise by 21.32 to 103.17.

Dr Pav Ramewal, chief finance officer, in his presentation to cabinet said even with the increase, Rother s was still the lowest council tax in East Sussex.