COUNCIL tax bills in the New Forest are set to rise by an average of £6 from April.

New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Fire Authority are all freezing their share of council tax demands.

But the cost of policing the county is going up – and parish councils are also seeking more cash.

It means the average Band D council tax bill in the Forest will rise from £1,471 to £1,477.

The figure is almost certain to be agreed at the district council meeting tomorrow.