PENSIONERS have claimed victory in their fight against rising council tax but say the battle is not over yet.

More than 200 elderly protesters have been putting pressure on local councils to reduce tax rises and believe their hard work and persistence has paid off.

This month Wiltshire County Council agreed their lowest increase for nine years and West Wiltshire District Council set a 4.5 per cent rise.

Now the council tax protesters are pleased the financial bosses have listened to their cause but have yet to shelve plans to take their fight to the House of Commons.

Activist and protest organiser Ron Young said: "The fact the increase is relatively low compared to other areas of the country proves the council's have heard what we were saying.

"I like to think we played a part because we made a lot of noise and had a very large turnout during our meetings.

"Obviously we are still unhappy there has been any increase but now they know we are here and not going away."

The 200-strong group still have plans to travel to the Houses of Parliament to protest against the constant rise of Council Tax.

With backing from west Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison, the protesters aim to hold a demonstration outside Parliament and meet MPs.

But the protesters have reacted with caution over benefits introduced during the recent budget aimed at helping elderly taxpayers.

Mr Young said: "Pension benefits introduced in the budget are helpful to those over 70 years old but there are many retired folk who are younger than that.

"Despite the help I'm still not paying the extra £60 in council tax they are demanding this year.

"When it comes to next April, I will simply refuse to pay the money added in the rise. So what if I go to jail? I don't think it will be that bad in there. We have a principle to fight for."

The fire authority introduced the highest increase this year demanding 15.94 per cent and the police set a 9.98 per cent rise.

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire County Cabinet, said: "I am well aware of the hardship any increase in council tax brings to our residents on low or fixed incomes.

"Conscious of this, we worked hard to keep next year's council tax increase to an absolute minimum, consistent with meeting the statutory requirements placed on us by central government and ensuring our residents receive the services they need and require."