Council officials are fighting to gain an extra £1.3 million they believe the Government is wrongly denying them.

East Sussex County Council believes ministers made a mistake when deciding its grant settlement for the next financial year.

The Conservative-controlled authority has said it was handed the worst settlement in the country in December last year when it received £11.7 million - 4.1 per cent more than last year's £10 million handout.

But deputy leader Tony Reid said £10.2 million would have to go to schools, leaving only £1.5 million for all other services, including transport and social services.

Councillor Reid, lead member for corporate resources, has said £15.6 million was needed to maintain current services outside schools.

He has embarked on a vigorous exchange of letters with local government minister Nick Raynsford in a bid to claim more money.

Coun Reid said: "We are putting pressure on the Government and we won't give up."

Council officials have said despite the small settlement increase they have still managed to peg the council tax increase this year to 4.2 per cent, which if approved will be the lowest increase for ten years.