West Norfolk Council announced on Thursday that its share of the tax may increase for the first time in three years, meaning properties at Band D level could pay an extra five pence a week, the equivalent of £2.64 a year.

Tax-payers are also facing a nine per cent increase in the amount paid to Norfolk Police Authority, with an extra £15 a year paid at Band D level, while Norfolk County Council hopes to introduce a 3.75 per cent rise, which will see Band D properties paying an additional £39.42 a year.

If the tax rise and budget for 2008/09 is approved at a full meeting of West Norfolk Council next month a 20 per cent increase will be introduced on charges at the council's car parks.

This will see the cost of one hour in a short term car park rise from £1 to £1.20, with two hours increasing from £1.50 to £1.80.

Sunday charges will also be brought in line with regular daily charges while a standard rate will be introduced for evening parking.

A standard rate could also be added for blue badge holders.

On announcing the proposals, council leader Cllr Nick Daubney said: "There has to be a strong element of the user of the service pays. It is not fair that a pensioner who rarely comes to town, or uses the bus, has to pay.

"Car parking is a major source of income. The decision we made when we put our manifesto together was to hold council tax below the level of inflation.

"We thought that is what people wanted and they can expect us to deliver a certain level of service while keeping council tax down."

Cllr Daubney said the council will continue its commitment to deliver weekly refuse collections while pressing ahead with regeneration plans for Lynn and the borough.

Norfolk County Council will finalise its tax rise and budget for 2008/09 at a full council meeting on Monday, February 18.

Norfolk Police Authority was due to hold an open meeting to discuss its proposal last night.

Breckland Council is being recommended by its cabinet to increase its demand by 2.75 per cent when it meets on Thursday, February 21, to set its council tax figure.

A council spokesman said the increase would take its share of the total bill to £61.98, an extra £1.66 a year, on the average Band D property.

Cabinet members at North Norfolk Council will meet today (Monday) to discuss its council tax demands for the forthcoming year, with a four per cent increase on the cards, while early indications show a 3.25 per cent rise may be introduced by South Holland Council.