Eastleigh taxpayers could see one of the lowest council tax increases in the county, as borough civic bosses look set to approve a below-inflation rise tonight.

The planned budget will see the bill for an average Band D property for services provided by Eastleigh council rise just 1.5 per cent, from £145.10 to £147.67.

Added to that will be the bill levied by Hampshire County Council for their services, which was set yesterday.

Councillors agreed a 3.5 per cent rise after a marathon six-hour meeting.

Taxpayers living in a Band D property will find their bills for the county rising from £840.15 to £869.40. Charges for police and fire services have also been set.

Hampshire Constabulary agreed a five per cent rise, upping the average bill to £114.30, while fire chiefs agreed a 1.6 per cent rise, meaning a further £52.11 for residents in a Band D property. Demands from parish and town councils, where appropriate, will be added to the bill.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the ruling Liberal Democrat party is looking to raise taxes by 1.5 per cent and to honour their pledge that council tax will remain at one per cent below inflation for the next two years.

Councillors in Eastleigh have already come under fire from residents. The axing of popular council-run play schemes in the borough will see an estimated 500 youngsters lose their school holiday activities.

Residents will also be charged for their parking spaces in the town centre for the first time, meaning residents will get their first parking permit free but have to pay £30 for a second, £60 for a third and £90 for a fourth.

Proposals would also see an annual £30 fee for carers' parking permits - issued to professionals such as doctors, nurses, education departments and social services - plus a £30 annual fee for business parking permits, rising to £60 for a second vehicle, £90 for a third and £120 for a fourth.

Council leader Keith House previously said his administration would honour its pledge to keep the increase below inflation.

Criticising the proposals, Labour's Councillor Peter Luffman said the parking charges would represent a council tax rise of 24 per cent.

Conservative group leader for Eastleigh Councillor Godfrey Olson said: "If next year's council tax is to be kept at one per cent below inflation, we shall see more and even greater increases in charges and reduction in services than this year."