COUNCIL taxpayers in Bromsgrove will face a massive rise in their bills from April.

The average Band D householder in the town will face an overall annual increase of 9.7 per cent -- £75.88 -- which will mean a total bill of £857.25.

People living in parished areas of Bromsgrove such as Barnt Green and Finstall have to add a precept to that figure.

Bromsgrove District Council agreed its portion of the tax, a massive rise of 11 per cent, at a meeting on Wednesday February 14.

It means Band D householders will be paying an extra £10.52 this year, or as councillors are swift to point out, less than 20p a week.

It was due to be ratified by full council last night.

The authority is responsible for car parks, recreation, tourism, rubbish collection, housing and a range of other services.

Worcestershire County Council, which provides education and social services among others, last Thursday, February 22, voted to increase its portion of the tax by a hefty 9.96 per cent.

And at a meeting last Tuesday, February 20, West Mercia Police Authority approved an increase of six per cent -- £4.44 per year -- meaning a leap from £74.06 to £78.50.

For an average band D householder living in an unparished area, the lion's share of the bill, £672.59, will go to Worcestershire County Council.