HOUSEHOLDERS in Oxfordshire say planned council tax rises will leave people struggling to make ends meet.

Councils will not increase this year’s bills thanks to Government help. But that sweetener has come at a price as authorities will have to substantially put up prices in future years.

Early indications reveal average annual bills in Oxford are set to rise by at least £36 in 2012/13 and by more than £50 in 2013/14, as both the Town and County Hall try to balance the books.

The hike in charges come as the combined effects of more than £130m of public sector cuts begin to bite.

Oxfordshire County Council, which sets the largest share of the bill, agreed its budget and medium-term financial plan on Monday.

It has frozen its precept next year at £1,161.71 for a Band D property.

But it plans to increase its share by 2.5 per cent the year after, or £29.04, and a further 3.75 percent, or £44.65, in 2013/14.

It will take its slice of the bill to £1,235.40 in April 2013.

Meanwhile, Oxford City Council also plans to freeze bills in April with Government help.

But the Labour-run authority is proposing a three per cent rise in the following two years.

That is a Band D rise of £7.97 in 2012/13 and £8.20 the year after.

Its current precept would rise from £265.58 to £281.75 by 2013/14.

All Oxfordshire district councils and the Thames Valley Police Authority are set to freeze their share of council tax next year.

South Oxfordshire District Council is planning a two per cent rise in 2012/13, while Vale of White Horse District Council plans a 2.5 per cent rise in 2012/13.

West Oxfordshire District Council will announce any planned increases for future years in March and it is not known whether there will be any future rises in Cherwell.

Father-of-two Roger Bucknell, 44, of Windrush Way, Abingdon, said: “Things are pretty tight as they are. The two-and-a-half per cent can make a big difference with regards to normal living.”

Binman Clifford Oakes, 47, a father-of-two from Park Road, Didcot, said: “At the moment, wages are being cut or frozen for lots of employees so it is going to be difficult to find the money for any increase.

“It’s take, take, take at the moment from councils and the Government.”

Oxford City Council deputy leader Ed Turner said the council’s planned rises in future years were in line with inflation.

Council tax bills are made up of precepts set by Oxfordshire County Council, the relevant district council, Thames Valley Police Authority and, where applicable, parish or town council.