Council tax payers in Devon are being warned to brace themselves for tax rises of nearly 18%.

Devon County Council's executive committee has proposed spending plans of more than �616m.

To meet that level of funding, the council would need to increase council taxes by 17.95%.

In cash terms, that would mean an average band D household would have to pay an extra �2.64 a week.

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I think it is going to be very difficult for people to pay this tax Christine Channon, Devon County Council leader

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Council leader Christine Channon said she was not happy with the increase, but it would maintain services.

"We are suffering from years of cutting back on the roads budget.

"We have cut back in terms of social services as well.

"But people seem to want us to spend on education, and that is where a lot of money is going to go," she said.

Council 'stunned'

"I think it is going to be very difficult for people to pay this tax.

"But at this particular point of time, because of the change of funding, we have done the best we can from many points of view."

The council was "stunned" by the government's latest funding settlement, which it said left the county with a �32.5m shortfall.

It meant councillors having to decide between making drastic cuts in services or hefty rises in council tax.

However, Exeter MP and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons Ben Bradshaw said Devon was getting a "very generous deal" from the government.

Budget shortfalls

Deputy council leader Brian Greenslade said: "People in Devon want to protect services, even if it means council taxes going up more than we would wish."

Devon is one of a number of authorities dealing with budget shortfalls.

Torbay Council has asked local residents to choose between cuts in services or higher council tax increases.

Plymouth residents will have to wait until the city council's budget meeting on 25 February to know the size of their council tax bills.