by Dean Kilpatrick, local democracy reporter

Council tax bills in Medway will increase by nearly 6% if the budget is backed by councillors today.

The proposed budget outlines plans to raise council tax by the maximum level allowed without activating a referendum, as well as a social care precept, representing a total increase of 5.994%.

If agreed, it will mean Medway Council’s share of council tax for a Band D property will rise by £77.66 to £1,374.28.

Medway Council has also set out its intention to raise prices for services they provide – ranging from parking permits to bereavement fees.

Motorists will see above-inflation increases for the majority of parking permits, with resident (7.14% increase), special business (6.67% increase), late night (5.71% increase) and commuter (up to 3.23% increase) among the highest.

Fees and charges for burial and cremation services would increase by 7% which, according to the council’s own diversity impact assessment, will hit elderly people the most.

The budget also highlights cuts across each "directorate base", which critics say will impact a number of key frontline services.