Council Tax is set to rise by 6 per cent in Surrey after the county council approved the 2018/19 budget on February 6.

An increase of 2.99 per cent, plus another 3 per cent increase to the Adult Social Care precept for will come into place in April.

This is the maximum allowed by a local authority without triggering a referendum.

The increase in core Council Tax is expected to raise an additional £7 million.

Money raised from the Adult Social Care precept will go to support services for people with physical disabilities and learning disabilities and people with mental health conditions.

In total the proposals will cost a band D household £1.53 more a week.

Council leader David Hodge blamed the proposal on the decline in central government funding for Surrey.

He said: “We all know that local government is the public sector’s shining example of success in these years of austerity, but our achievements are at risk if the government does not recognise the impact that the gap between rising demand and reducing funding is having on our residents.

“We have been promised fair funding, and I trust ministers will honour that promise, but it’s taking too long. The government cannot stand idly by while Rome burns.”

He said at the cabinet meeting on January 30 that more than £200 million has been taken away since 2010, and the number of people with learning disabilities receiving support from the council has risen by 46 per cent.

A report presented to cabinet stated the council had made £540 million in cuts since 2010/11, and an additional £66 million spending reduction is planned for 2018/19.

Cllr Hodge also spoke about Surrey county and borough councils having secured a pilot scheme whereby in 2018/1 they will keep a higher proportion of business rates – expected to be £20 million.

The budget was approved by a vote of 63 to nine, with one abstention.

Leader of Surrey Liberal Democrats Councillor Hazel Watson said: "Although I am pleased that the Conservative administration, unlike last year, has not tried to raise council tax by 15 per cent, they are proposing a 6 per cent rise as this is the maximum increase possible without triggering a referendum. This is still unaffordable for many Surrey residents, particularly for those on fixed incomes.

“The Conservative administration has been forced into proposing this rise due to the financial crisis at County Hall and the shortfall in government funding for essential services such as adult social care.

"This budget is a bad deal for Surrey residents, who are being asked to pay more for less.”