Readers have had their say about the potential council tax increase.

A council tax rise of nearly two per cent is on the cards because of the impact of the coronavirus. Councillor Peter Thornton, deputy leader of the county council, has said the increase is needed to protect frontline services after Covid-19 put additional pressure on resources.

Here's what you had to say about it: James Knudsen said: "How about we all make a petition for those who have worked non stop throughout this full period for council tax to be quashed for the entire period backdated since we have had very few amenities at our resources available."

John Hall said: "How about forgetting a pay rise for them and less expenses. Talking about a rise in council tax people are loosing jobs and in general finding things hard."

Dot Bateson said: "I think it's a disgrace where on earth do they think people are going to get the extra money to pay for any rise people out there are struggling now to pay what they have due to Covid."

Carl Maloney said: "Never even been given a bin, we're expected use commercial waste."

Leslie Fuller said: "Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that tax will go up with other form's of raising money to pay back the national debt."

Kenny Clark said: "Any excuses to put it up and put family's into more stress."

Mark Caslin said: "I haven’t had a penny off the government there’s no way I’m paying more council tax because of Covid-19."

Scott Lewis said: "What about the money the council have saved by not having a fireworks show this year. Surely this would help subsidise this years council tax."

Clare Harmison said: "Seriously this is one year where they could make an exception and reduce it or at least keep it the same, to put it up is just awful."

Angelique Sansome said: "Surely it should be reduced for a year to give us some extra support."

Niki Atkinson said: "That is ridiculous, how do they expect people to pay more money when they are already struggling."