They say the rise they received from Whitehall was much less than neighbouring councils and they are now left short of their proposed £3.5m budget.

Berwick Council's deputy leader Tom Wakenshaw said members are disappointed at the amount of money given by the government.

Mr Wakenshaw said the rise in their annual spending allowance has risen by 3% - which he claims is 10% less then nearby similar authorities.

Councillors, who demonstrated their anger outside Berwick Town Hall, plan to send the £228,000 invoice to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Mr Wakenshaw said: "The sum would allow the authority to provide vital services for which, at the moment, it can't find funding."