COUNCIL tax bills are set to rise by at least £62 a year for the average household in East Sussex from April.

East Sussex County Council is looking to save £17 million next year and is proposing to increase its share of council tax by 4.99 per cent.

Within the rise is a three adult social care levy, which will mean a band D property will gave to pay an extra £62.46 next year.

Council bosses say the savings are necessary as it faces serious financial challenges.

Councillor David Elkin, East Sussex County Council lead member for resources, said: “We are still facing considerable challenges and will have to make more tough choices which will have an impact on frontline services.

“Asking residents to pay more is not something we take lightly, but with declining funding it’s one way to protect the most vulnerable in our society and equip us to deal with the challenges ahead.

“The proposals allow us to maximise investment in health and social care – one of the areas of greatest demand – including East Sussex Better Together, our ambitious plan to improve the health and wellbeing of residents by integrating services provided by the county council and the NHS.”

The savings are smaller than predicted in October last year when the council planned to save £24 million.

Mr Elkin added: "It’s welcome news that councillors will now be able to debate a savings target £7million lower than was being considered at one stage. This is now in line with our budget planning, thanks to some very careful financial management and greater investment in social care."

Since then, the Government has given the council extra tax raising powers and extra money for adult social care.

The budget will see £360 million spent on services and earmarks £95 million for capital projects including ensuring roads and building are well maintained and there are sufficient school places.

If approved by the Conservative-run council's cabinet on Tuesday January 24, the draft budget will be discussed and put to a vote at full council on Tuesday February 7.