A 2.5 PER CENT rise in West Sussex County Council's share of council tax for 2010-2011 is expected to be recommended at its budget meeting next month.
If approved, this will be the lowest increase since the system of funding local services began in 1993.
It will mean a rise for the average band D taxpayer of £28 a year, or 55p a week, to pay for the 80 per cent of local authority services provided by County Hall.
Last year's tax rise was 3.25 per cent.
The new band D total will be £1,161.99, compared with the current £1,133.64.
District or borough council figures, plus police and parish council requirements, have to be added to this, when they are decided.
Budget reportsA council report said the economic conditions against which the budget had been prepared were the worst for a generation.
"This creates additional demand for local authority services at a time when public finances are under their greatest pressure and the ability of households to absorb council tax increases is under the greatest strain," it added.
But despite a 'bleak financial background', the county council would be investing £29.5m in priority service areas including £7.2m to meet the cost pressures of looked after children.
Cllr Louise Goldsmith, council cabinet member for finance and resources, said this week: "I know what a tough year it has been for our residents, and as a council we certainly don't want to add to it.
Lowest increase"We have worked hard to keep the increase down to 55p a week and hope band D taxpayers will find that a reasonable price to pay for the wide range of services provided by the county council.
"I want to stress that being able to deliver our lowest council tax increase since the system started is mainly due to our own good housekeeping."
The next stage of the budget process is meetings of the council's select committees, followed by its cabinet on January 26.
The final decision on council tax will be taken by the full council at a meeting scheduled to be held on Friday, February 12.
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