PROTESTERS campaigning against further massive council tax increases are today preparing for the crucial month in the battle.By the end of January, householders from across Suffolk should know how much their bills are likely to increase from April.

PROTESTERS fighting against further massive council tax increases are today preparing for a

crucial few weeks in their battle.

By the end of January, householders from across Suffolk should know how much their bills are likely to increase from April.

Before then, they are due to take part in a massive anti-council tax march in central London on Saturday, January 17.

One coach will be travelling to London from Suffolk to take members of Pacts (Protest Against Council Tax in Suffolk) to the march from Trafalgar Square to Westminster along Whitehall.

So far only about 35 people from Suffolk have signed up for the coach, which will start at Woodbridge and pick up passengers at Ipswich and Sudbury on its way to the capital.

There are still seats available, and they can be booked by contacting coach organiser Tom Sully on 01473 780683.

"We're still hoping they'll be a lot more people going from Ipswich on the day itself," said Reg Hartles from Pacts.

"Some people are travelling down to London independently on the train or by car.

"The national organisation, Isitfair, is expecting a very big turnout. There are coaches coming from all over the country."

The county council's executive committee is set to discuss the council tax rise at a special meeting on January 29.

The county's council tax will then be formally set at a full meeting on February 24.

Early indications suggest the county's rise will be in the region of six to eight per cent.

The county's element of council tax bills is by far the largest element - making up 70 to 80pc of total bills.

The district or borough councils, which send out the bills, have to hand over most of the money they collect to the county and the Suffolk Police Authority.

Districts and boroughs are expected to decide their level of council tax by the middle of February and have started looking at how they can keep costs down.

Babergh's strategy committee is due to discuss its council tax level on February 10 and the tax level will be formally set at a full council meeting on February 27.

Ipswich council's executive committee and Suffolk Coastal's cabinet will both discuss their council tax levels on February 17.

Ipswich will confirm its council tax demand at a full meeting on February 25 while Suffolk Coastal's budget meeting is on February 26.

At Mid Suffolk Council, up to 30 posts are being axed as it tries to cut costs.

Its executive is to discuss council tax levels on February 16, with the full council meeting to set the tax demand on March 4.