Council tax bills in Oxfordshire are set to soar by almost ten per cent - about £56 - next year, it has been revealed.

Residents in band D homes, the average, could see demands rise from £601 to £657. Last year they were hit by rises of almost 12 per cent.

The news, announced on Thursday by local government minister Hilary Armstrong, led to accusations that Labour is targeting the most vulnerable people of Oxfordshire.

The minister claimed that no council should have to put up bills by more than 4.5 per cent, but Treasury figures reveal an average rise of seven per cent across the country.

Oxfordshire County Council said it was on track to meet Government targets. It is already slashing £10.5m from its social services budget, but the recent closure of homes for the elderly has sparked outrage. The proposed £56 rise in council tax bills has been condemned by Tories. County council Conservative group leader Keith Mitchell said: "Council tax payers will see an average rise of at least £50 in their bills.

"That is a £50 increase for a further decrease in services. Since May 1997, Mr Blair has presided over a council tax rise of £165.

"These continual attacks on Oxfordshire residents are nothing more than the politics of envy. The county deserves better than this."

But Labour leader Brian Hodgson said: "We are on target to achieve what we want over the next three years."

Banbury MP Tony Baldry said: "Labour is switching resources from local authorities to its political allies in Labour-controlled metropolitan councils."

Story date: Saturday 27 November

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