Eric Pickles is set to warn the Brighton and Hove City Council leader that he risks losing the next election if he presses ahead with planned council tax hikes.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government issued the following warning signs that half of the country’s local authorities plan to raise council tax.

Last month Brighton and Hove City Council announced a planned 2% hike which will be decided on as part of next year’s budget.

Local government minister, Brandon Lewis MP, who works under Mr Pickles, said: “When costs are rising elsewhere the public won’t tolerate unnecessary tax increases.

“Councillors can either show they are helping people with the cost of living, or face explaining why they have snatched money away.”

See more stories about next year's budget debate and join in the reader's polls here: www.theargus.co.uk/news/indepth/brightonhovecounciltax/

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