Nearly 90 per cent of respondents to an online questionnaire on council tax rates said they would rather pay more than lose services.

The response comes after news of changes in Surrey's funding from government which will leave the county needing to fill a £60 million gap in its coffers or cut services.

Residents gave their most passionate feedback to date as a result of the warning in a council newsletter. Nearly 500 letters, emails, questionnaires and phone calls were received as well as residents contacting councillors.

Nick Skellett, council leader, said: "We lobbied hard and we warned the Government of the hardship this could cause to those of our residents who find it hard to keep up with the cost of living here.

"It is a bitter pill to swallow. We will be paying more than those in the Midlands and the North for the same services."

Council bosses will discuss the rate at a public meeting on February 3 at County Hall, Kingston, at 2.30pm.

January 28, 2003 10:00