While the council looks set to freeze charges to residents using library services, it will, however, raise the price of admission to the Royal Pavilion.

Library charges for CDs, DVDs, talking books, overdue books, printing and copying will all stay the same for 2010/11, as will room hire costs.

The library expects to meet increased running costs by higher turnover of commercial activities.

The council plans to increase admission to the Royal Pavilion by 70p to £9.50 from April 2010. A survey carried out this spring showed more than 87 per cent of visitors rate the Royal Pavilion as good to excellent value for money.

The suggested recommended donation policy at the museums has resulted in a big increase in donations in the first quarter of this year from £770 in 2008/09 to £5,820.

Commercial hire charges for the Pavilion will stay at 2009/10 prices to help businesses in the current economic climate. The exception will be fees for weddings and civil ceremonies in the Royal Pavilion during peak season with an increase of 3.5 per cent following a review of competitors’ charges.