WEST Sussex County Council plans to raise council tax by 4.99 per cent in April.

The proposal includes a two per cent rise in money for adult social care services.

It will be discussed at County Hall, Chichester.

The increase would see bills for homes in Band D rise by more than £65 a year from £1,317.78 to £1,383.57.

A report to the performance and finance select committee says: “The county council continues to focus on the areas which will make the biggest difference to the lives of its residents and the future prosperity of the county.

“However, to have a realistic chance of achieving its ambitious objectives in the context of the continuing reduction in public finances, as well as meeting our statutory responsibilities, a council tax rise of 4.99 per cent is proposed for 2019/20.”

Day-to-day spending – revenue – for 2019/20 is expected to rise by £41m (7.7 per cent) to £574.918m.

The meeting of the performance and finance select committee will be held today at 10.30am.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Most councils are facing cuts and rising council tax due to reductions from central governments.

It’s a similar story at East Sussex County Council, also controlled by the Conservatives.

They have announced a ‘core offer’ which targets the essential services they must offer.

Their council leader and deputy recently lobbied central government asking for increased funding.