COUNCIL tax bills may have to rocket to solve the funding crisis in Worcestershire's schools, city MP Mike Foster has warned.

In a hard-hitting letter to headteachers, Mr Foster said voters may also have to swallow an increase in the amount of tax taken direct from their wage packets.

According to the Labour MP, local politicians are faced with making "tough choices" if they want extra cash for the county's struggling schools.

The most controversial suggestion is increasing council tax.

Mr Foster said that an average band D property owner in Worcestershire pays £970.59 per year - compared to £1,015.60 in neighbouring Warwickshire and putting up Worcestershire bills to the same level would be an increase of £45.01 per household.

"If we want Warwickshire's national funding, we should also be prepared to pay Warwickshire's council tax.

"This would bring in an extra £9m to our schools."

"I said it was tough, but 30 or so local politicians at County Hall can bring in some serious money if they want to."

The letter set out four possibilities, including the council tax hike. It was penned after meetings with a group of Worcester heads, governors and parents.