It's better the devil you know

The 4.9 per cent rise will mean an increase of 22p per week on an average band D property for Adur's part of the council tax. Eighty per cent of public services are provided by West Sussex County Council, which is also being recommended to approve a council tax rise of 4.9 per cent, at its meeting on February 9.

If approved, it will mean an increase in the average band D tax of 95p a week.

The county's current band D figure is 1,001.34. The new rate would mean an increase of 49.50 for the year '“ to 1,050.84.

Still to be added to this figure is the precept needed by Sussex Police, believed to be around five per cent.

Adur District Council lead-er Neil Parkin said: "Although it is disappointing to be recommending a near five per cent rise again, it has been a challenge to keep it to that. When we started this process, we were looking at a 14 per cent increase . . .

"We will, however, continue to make the district a better place and will spend nearly 250,000 on the street scene, including providing bus shelters, benches, bins and planters."

The council tax rise will be confirmed at Adur council's meeting on February 15.