Sutton Council has announced a 3.4 per cent rise in council tax for the coming financial year - with residents of band D properties forking out £1,108.73 for the year.

This figure is £300 more than what residents had to spend on council tax in 2000.

The final budget is due to be approved at the next meeting of the council's executive on Tuesday, February 19.

Savings made to keep the increase lower than the five per cent cap set by the Government include the axeing of the neighbourhood warden service and a hike in parking charges across the borough.

"The Lib Dems have obviously bowed to significant pressure and cut the increase, but we'd like to see them go further. This shows they are no longer have control of the agenda," said opposition councillor Terry Faulds.