Council taxpayers across the South East are facing increases in their bills again this year.

Surrey County Council has proposed a 4.99% rise, West Sussex 2.99% while East Sussex has agreed a 1.99% hike.

Meanwhile, Kent County Council, which is proposing an increase of just under 3%, is considering selling buildings to balance its books.

Any rises would add pressure on people also facing hikes in National Insurance and energy bills from April.

Surrey County Council’s Conservative-led cabinet recommended a 4.99% council tax rise in January.

It would mean a Band D household would have to pay £1,626 for the year, an extra £77.31 a year.

Council leader Tim Oliver said: “Four per cent of this 4.99% increase is all about delivering care to vulnerable residents; this is not about paying for back office costs.

“The rise in the adult social care precept is unavoidable if we want to deliver this ambition and look after residents most in need.”

West Sussex County Council’s portion of the 2022/23 council tax is set to rise by 2.99% – an increase of more than £45 on a Band D bill.

The increase was supported during a meeting of the cabinet on 1 February.

Made up of a 1.99% core increase and a one per cent precept for adult social care, the rise would see Band D bills rise from £1,510.56 to £1,555.74.

The budget goes before the full council on 18 February.

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Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge are the most affected by catalytic converter thefts.

It is as criminals target them for the precious metals they contain.

Surrey police also say the pandemic has meant more and more hospitals being targeted as doctors and nurses work long shifts.

It has left many finishing work and unable to drive their car.

People are being urged not to approach possible thieves if they see anything suspicious in a car park but to call 999 after reports of threatening behaviour.

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Latest coronavirus figures show a vast difference in case numbers across the South-East.

Woking is currently the highest at 1,514 per 100,000, in contrast to Dartford which is 723.

Cases have decreased in Crawley, down from over 1,400 to 1,142.

You can see your area’s figures here: https://www.bbc.co.uk

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Residents across West Sussex who are struggling with their Council Tax can now receive additional support.

It comes as up to £3 million pounds of funding has been allocated by West Sussex County Council for the second year running.

The funds are for additional discretionary relief, administered by District and Borough councils, for working age residents.

The funding is separate from recent announcements from the government to support Council Taxpayers in Bands A through to D.

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A new Crawley Innovation Centre has been given the green light and is set to bring an economic, innovation and technological boost to the town.

Nearly eight and a half million pounds funding has potentially been ear-marked from the government’s “Getting Building Fund” to enable the Centre’s design, build and launch in the Manor Royal Business District by the end of next year.

Over 200 new jobs are hoping to be created and is aimed to initially benefit up to 40 local businesses, with plans to attract further new business investment into Crawley.

The project will also be seeking to secure £2.5 million from the Towns Fund programme, to invest in the operational establishment of the centre.

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