Eastbourne residents look like getting the lowest council tax bills in East Sussex this year.

The borough council's share of the tax will rise by 3.72 per cent, less than half that of other borough and district councils in the county, for residents in average Band D properties.

But those taxpayers can still expect a rise of £75 on last year's charge when the county council and police bills are added.

Wealden district has predicted a 5.88 per cent rise, Hastings six per cent and Rother 6.9 per cent.

Eastbourne residents living in Band D accommodation will now pay £125.51 for Eastbourne Borough Council's share of the local Council Tax Charge, compared with £121.01 the previous year.

The amount was revealed at a meeting of Eastbourne Borough Council last night.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "This is a prudent budget that puts people first.

"Growth items in this budget should go some way to increasing prosperity for everyone as well as improving community safety."

Added to this, residents will pay £741.38 for East Sussex County Council - a rise of 9.84 per cent - and £59.13 for Sussex Police, a rise of 6.48 per cent.

This will add up to a new total council tax bill for the year of £926.02 for Band D charge payers, compared with £851.52 last year.