Struggling householders will have to face another rise in their outgoings this year with a suggested rise in the council tax bill of almost five per cent.

The rise (4.95 per cent) is just for services provided by Dover District Council and will mean an annual increase of £7.31 or a weekly increase of 14 pence for a typical Band D property.

The amount does not include the county council’s requested precept increase of 2.85 per cent, nor does it incorporate the money required from other authorities like police and fire services or town and parish councils.

District council head of finance Mike Davis said the budget has taken place against a volatile background with financial pressures including reduced income from land searches, planning fees and car parking.

Cllr Frederick Scales said: “I think, from the public’s point of view, they will see that services are being generated.

“We’re trying to deliver those services and this budget will allow us to continue that.”

Cllr Kit Smith added: “We’re in for a tough ride.”

The budget will be presented to the district council for approval on March 5 before being set.