Council taxes in England are to rise by an average of 4.5%, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
Figures from nearly two thirds of billing authorities suggest an average Band-D home bill rise of Ј53 to Ј1250.
Government threats of capping appear to have worked, with many councils coming in just under the perceived 5% capping limit and only a few going above.
But the Isitfair campaign group says the rise is too much for pensioners.
Despite the relatively small increase in bills overall, the group, which campaigns for local tax reform, says elderly people will be hit as it comes on top of big rises in heating costs.
Marginal rise
Two pensioners were jailed last year for withdrawing part of their council tax and many others have also threatened to pay inflation-only increases.
Despite being more than twice the rate of inflation, the council tax rise is only marginally above last year's and the second lowest in a decade.
In London, the prospect of elections in May appears to have had an impact.
At least five boroughs have frozen bills at the current level - their charges only increased by the rise in Ken Livingstone's mayoral precept, which includes a payment towards the 2012 Olympics.
(BBC)
<< Back