A council last night voted to increase council tax by nine per cent, despite receiving almost £1 million extra in its grant from the Government.

Crawley Borough Council received an additional £900,000 in recognition of problems of social deprivation similar to London boroughs and big cities.

The proposal to increase council tax by 22p a week was passed by 19 votes to six.

The extra cash will be used to fund a £150,000 community warden scheme aimed at cutting crime, and to boost recycling initiatives.

Tying in an 18.5 per cent rise from West Sussex County Council, and a 36 per cent increase by Sussex Police, householders in band D homes will now face a total annual bill of £1,110.96.

At the meeting last night, council leader Chris Redmayne said: "This is a growth budget.

"The 22p a week increase is less than the price of a second class stamp and will take the council forward.

"We have looked at this extremely seriously, and consulted people about what they want. Community safety and recycling are what residents asked for, which is what the extra money will be spent on."

Conservative councillor Richard Burrett, however, said the increase was unjust.

His proposed amendment of a two per cent increase, taking an additional £350,000 from council reserves, was turned down.

He said: "I voted against the budget because I believe it's possible to provide the same services with a two per cent increase.

"This would have cushioned the council tax rise caused by an unfavourable Government settlement given to West Sussex County Council.

"Crawley, on the other hand. received one of the best settlements but still feels it necessary to increase council tax."