COUNTY residents are not prepared to pay another significant hike in council tax.

That is the message Gloucestershire County Council is hearing as councillors plan budgets and service improvements for next year.

Over the last few weeks the council has been listening to the views of people who, despite paying the eighth lowest council tax of all counties in the country, have had to cope with big tax increases in recent years.

Deputy leader Cllr Liz Boait said: "Our research confirms what is being heard around the rest of the country. Local people are saying 'no' to big increases in council tax for next year.

"In fact, many people are angry about the prospect and they have told us that the current system is unfair on pensioners and those with low incomes. They want a change and I completely share their view.

"Caring for growing numbers of older people, central funds reducing as our school rolls fall, the rising cost of recycling and disposing of our waste, and a road system that is gradually disintegrating under the weight of HGVs - all these and new responsibilities are having a significant impact on our overall budget forecasts.

"Wherever councils are having to plan for education and social services with escalating demands and growing expectations spending is forced up but Government grants are withdrawn. People do want to see their services improve but not at any cost."

The government is expected to tell the council next month how much central funding it can expect to receive.

Leader Cllr Peter Clarke said: "Despite the fact that this council has sound financial management and still charges a relatively low council tax, we have been warned that Government funding will be far from generous next year. Meanwhile our costs are increasing."