Council tax payers in Mid Sussex face average increases of about £40 a year, it was revealed today.

Bills across the district are set to rise by an average of more than five per cent, to £803.17 for a Band D property.

A Mid Sussex District Council report states the average increase is likely to be 5.3 per cent. Residents in the district face the higher bills because West Sussex County Council announced an increase in their own charges. The county is raising its part of the bill by 5.8 per cent and Sussex Police Authority by 4.4 per cent.

The report is being discussed by the policy and resources committee at its meeting tomorrow night. Although Mid Sussex District Council is likely to raise its part of the council tax by only 1.1 per cent, the overall increase is expected to be 5.3 per cent.

Recommendations from this committee will be sent to the full council at a special meeting on Wednesday, March 1 for final approval.

The Band D council tax for 2000-2001 suggested in the report will be £792.75 in Albourne; £820.60 in Ardingly; £821.29 in Ashurstwood; £795.49 in Balcombe; £786.73 in Bolney; £809.51 in Burgess Hill; £811.31 in Cuckfield; £815.24 in East Grinstead; £787.92 in Fulking; £798.62 in Hassocks; £797.80 in Haywards Heath; £793.25 in Horsted Keynes; £803.00 in Hurstpierpoint; £790.25 in Lindfield; £785.27 in Poynings; £787.03 in Pyecombe; £799.43 in Slaugham and £811.54 in Turners Hill.

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