PROTESTERS against high tax increases were due to be out in force today as councillors discussed next year's rises.While members of PACT (Protest Against Council Taxes Suffolk) gathered in Woodbridge, council chiefs were due to gather at County Hall.

PROTESTERS against high tax increases were due to be out in force today as councillors discussed next year's rises.

While members of PACT (Protest Against Council Taxes Suffolk) gathered in Woodbridge, council chiefs were due to gather at County Hall.

The executive committee was to discuss next year's budget and how much extra money householders might have to fork out next year.

A spokeswoman for the county council said it was too early to talk about exactly how much any rises might be.

She said: "This is the start of the process to see what factors might influence that.

"We certainly have not put a figure on anything."

Angry objectors took to the streets last month to protest about the 18.5 per cent hike in taxes that were inflicted upon Suffolk residents this year.

And although they were resigned to having to pay this year's extra money protestors hoped to get their message across and get reassurance from Suffolk County Council that there would be no such increase for next year.

Today organiser 70-year-old Reg Hartles from Glemsford Close, Felixstowe said: "We are looking for a standstill and no more increases.

"It was a near 20% increase and the vast majority of people only get three per cent."