More than 100 people attended the meeting at St Mary's town hall

More than 100 people from all of the islands packed into the town hall on St Mary's on Monday night for a heated public meeting.

But councillors told the ratepayers they had to put up bills to cover a shortfall in funding from central government.

Council chairman Dudley Mumford warned the situation could get even worse in years to come.

"It's a big increase and no-one wants to raise the council tax more than necessary.

'Difficult decisions'

"But either we provide services or make big cuts," he said.

"That may still have to come about. Next year's settlement may again be very difficult.

"Members of the council have some very difficult decisions to make."

About 300 residents signed a petition protesting at the rise.