Winchester residents will meet tomorrow to discuss how changes to property values could see them hit in the pocket three-fold.

Speakers at the meeting, organised by South Hampshire Opposes Unfair Taxes (SHOUT) will explain how revaluation of houses in May this year could see modest homes in the city forced up one or two council tax bands.

All homes in England are set to be revalued for tax band purposes by 2007.

Campaigners say because of the way the government grant to local authorities is calculated the revaluation could result in a greater transfer of funding away from areas like Winchester putting more of the burden on council tax. They say this could be the last straw for taxpayers already struggling with mortgages and even force people to sell their homes. Rosemary Conway, from Winchester Council Tax Action Group said: "Council tax payers will see themselves hit by a devastating treble whammy."

She said the shift of government money away from the city and indeed Hampshire, along with the revaluation and a possible reorganisation of tax bands in 2007, could have a devastating impact on families and individuals on moderate incomes.

"This is exclusive of the many other burgeoning costs all being transferred to hard pressed council tax payers," she added.

Another person worried is Alan Weeks, Chairman of the Winchester Residents Association, who said he was already concerned about the high level of council tax Winchester resident currently pay, let alone if the rates rise further.

Mike Schofield, of SHOUT, said: "In Cardiff, over 64 per cent of homes have been rebanded, going up at least one band, the majority by two. We compute that a rise of one band is likely to result in an eight per cent increase of council tax and a rise of two bands by about a 25 per cent increase."

Mr Schofield will speak at the meeting along with Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council. It will be held at Badger Farm Community Centre 7.30pm.