Householders hit with one of England's highest council tax increases have been warned to expect even more rises.

Tory-led East Sussex County Council was yesterday given a 4.5 per cent budget increase for next year, or almost £11.9 million, by the Government.

But leaders say the increase, one of the lowest in England and Wales, is not enough. Many residents are already struggling to pay this year's council tax, which rose by 38 per cent, one of the biggest jumps.

In Eastbourne, band D households were forced to pay four-figure bills for the first time.

Yet the slightly increased settlements still mean householders face another council tax hike.

Deputy council leader Coun Daphne Bagshawe said: "It won't be as bad but it certainly won't be good news for residents. People are paying an extremely high level of tax but a lot of this comes from the Government's own policies.

"And I won't be lectured by a Government that's prepared to spend thousands flying a minister to and from a rugger match on the other side of the world."

Council leader Peter Jones said: "We hope we will be able to maintain core services at their current level and come in with a council tax that is a lot lower.

"This settlement means we will just about be able to cope with the increased costs in education."

Wealden and Lewes suffered, receiving 2.2 per cent rises, while Eastbourne fared little better with a 2.3 per cent increase, £195,000.

Hastings had a 4.1 per cent increase, £308,000, while Rother got a rise of 2.9 per cent, £152,000.