ELDERLY people, sports players and council tenants are among those set to be hit hard by a hike in the cost of council services.

A string of proposed price increases are being lined up by cash-strapped Tandridge District Council, covering everything from day centre and sports club hire charges to burial fees.

The largest rises could be in store for the district's 2,670 council house tenants. They face having to fork out an average 8.1 per cent more from April. It would mean the average rent would rise from £80.58 per week to £87.11.

Other proposed increases in the pipeline are:

Meal charges and other fees at Caterham's Douglas Brunton Centre for older people – up between 4.5 and 8 per cent.

Sports clubs hire charges – up 5 per cent.

Burial and cremation fees – up 5 per cent.

Licences for street trading, pet shops and tattoo parlours – up 5 per cent.

Council tenant Harry Hill, who lives in Hamsey Green Gardens, Warlingham, said: "For those on low income, an extra five or six pounds in rent each week is a lot of money.

"The problem is Tandridge is an expensive place to live."

Mr Hill, who chairs the Tandridge Tenants' Forum, added: "Renting a two-bedroom council house in this district costs less than £100 – you've got no chance of renting a private property locally for that amount."

Pensioner Olive Parker of Ninehams Close, Caterham, who attends the Douglas Brunton Centre, said: "It seems like prices are going up just about everywhere you go.

"It already costs me more than £6 a day to get a Dial-a-Ride bus there and then have lunch.

"Maybe I will have to cut back my visits."

John Gilbert, the chairman of Caterham Croquet Club, which is based in Queens Park, said: "The increase doesn't surprise me.

"Sports clubs cost a lot to maintain.

"I'm not sympathetic with price rises but we do get a good service from the council."

If the price increases are ratified by councillors this week, they could bring in a projected £1.9 million extra for the council when they take effect in April.

Alistair Montgomery, the council's chief finance officer, said it was facing "severe financial pressures".

Council leader Gordon Keymer said: "Generally fees are being increased by 5 per cent, which was generally in line with the Retail Price Index when the fees were reviewed late last year.

"Housing rents set by central government are up by 8 per cent, and we follow this where appropriate.

"I am very pleased to be able to say that there will continue to be free parking for shoppers in our car parks next year."

IN A double blow for residents, Surrey County Council has announced it is set to go against government advice and increase its council tax bill by 2.99 per cent in April – more than £33 for a Band D household.

A final decision will be made on February 7.