Householders are facing a hefty hike in council tax demands from next April.

Worthing Borough Council has warned bills may have to rise by almost ten per cent to help pay for £13.7 million of spending.

On top of that, there will be demands from West Sussex County Council and the Sussex Police Authority.

West Sussex fears it may have to increase its own tax demand by up to 15 per cent if the Government cuts grants to the authority.

Both Worthing and West Sussex councils are expecting an announcement on funding from Whitehall tomorrow afternoon.

Worthing's 2003-4 budget proposals reveal a shortfall in spending over income of £162,720 which can either be offset by cuts in frontline services or a 9.2 per cent council increase.

Assistant borough treasurer Andrew Gardiner said: "There appears to be limited scope for savings, which do not affect frontline services."

The council is expecting to overspend by £584,780 this year, including just under £347,000 set aside to pay three senior council officers, under the title "restructuring costs".