AS feared and predicted, Swindon council tax-payers are likely to see their bills soar by double figures.

The early estimate of nine per cent has risen to 13.1 and it is no surprise that pressure on social services was the main cause of the dramatic increase.

Social services was last month given a zero rating for its performance and plans to close two nursing homes has been met with criticism. The council cannot afford to allow standards to fall because of a lack of resources.

It is attempting to claw back some money by freezing recruitment and cutting back on temporary contracts.

But the council could face capping by the Government if it decides to implement a 13.1 per cent hike. Councils who put up their taxes by double figures were last month warned they could be capped. The Government allocated Swindon £124.9 million to manage its services a 4.2 per cent increase on last year's settlement, but below the national average of 4.7 per cent and in the bottom 20 in the country for funding.

Now the council is preparing to consult the public for reaction.

A guide to the public consultation exercise and how it will be carried out will be published in tomorrow's Advertiser.

If you feel strongly about how much you are paying in tax and what services you are receiving, then it is vital you make your views known to the council.