District councils have claimed they are being starved of cash while county authorities are allowed to raise their bills by more.

A survey by the District Councils' Network (DCN) found 77% of respondents were raising council tax by the maximum possible amount or very close to the maximum allowed without a referendum.

DCN finance spokesperson Peter Fleming said: ‘While county councils, the police and parish councils were permitted to increase their portions of bills by a far higher percentage than district councils our universal services are being starved of cash, with a below inflation cap on any increase, damaging our communities and our ability to steer our places through these difficult times.'