Protesters will gather outside County Hall today as councillors make a decision over a budget which critics say will lead to cuts to services.

While the council's political leaders have indicated they want fellow members to ditch the most savage cuts which had been proposed, some £42m of cuts and savings are planned for next year.

And disability charity Equal Lives says the council is still proposing to make another £50m cuts to social care over the next three years. Members will protest before this morning's meeting.

Meanwhile, Green councillors will propose what they describe as an 'innovative budget amendment' which they say will prioritise public health and wellbeing for adults.

The Greens want to use some of a recently announced government boost for rural councils to reallocate £2.5m for adult social care personal budgets.

Richard Bearman, leader of the county Green group said: 'Our budget amendment clearly puts people first and addresses the gaping shortfall in funds handed down by an austerity and uncaring government.'

But Simon George, the council's executive director of finance, is recommending councillors use the extra government money to 'support investment in redesigning and transforming services'.

A 3.99pc increase in the county council's share of the council tax is proposed, of which 2pc would be specifically to spend in adult social care.