A Conservative-run council has said it wants to increase council tax by 15 per cent, blaming cuts in central Government funding and an increased demand for social care.
A referendum has been called following the announcement by Surrey County Council leader David Hodge on Thursday.
He said the Government had cut the council's annual grant by £170m since 2010, leaving a "huge gap" in its budget.
The proposed raise would leave home-owners in a Band D property facing a £190 increase in their council tax bills.
Cllr Hodge said: “We have to set a budget that will protect vital services for Surrey residents.
“Government has cut our annual grant by £170m since 2010 – leaving a huge gap in our budget.
“Demand for adults social care, learning disabilities and children’s services is increasing every year.
“So I regret, despite us finding £450m worth of savings from our annual budget, we have no choice but to propose this increase in council tax.”
Any authority wanting to increase council tax by more than two per cent must put the plans to a vote, so taxpayers would have the final say in a referendum, which would take place on May 4.
Surrey is home to several Cabinet members including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
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