New Forest councillors will decide tonight how much council tax bills will rise over the next 12 months.

The ruling Tories are proposing a two per cent increase – equivalent to £3.05 per household.

It means people living in an average band D property would pay £155.76 to New Forest District Council.

Total bills would be about £1,500 on average once charges by the county, town and parish councils, police and fire service have been added.

Council bosses have already axed 30 jobs in a bid to balance the budget.

The full public meeting of New Forest District Council takes place tonight from 6.30pm at the council offices in Lyndhurst.