Dover has experienced the fourth highest tax increase in Kent since 2006, according to a report conducted by accountancy firm, UHY Hacker Young.

Taxpayers in Dover paid an average of £3,830 in the tax year of 2011/12, a rise of 10.4% from 2006/7.

The Kent accountancy firm said this is due to increase in the upper rate of tax, which now sits at 45p.

Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells recorded steeper rises.

Allan Hickie, partner at UHY Hacker Young, explains: “The government is increasingly reliant on the wealthiest parts of the south eastern commuter belt and London for income.

“Since the recession the government has gradually increased the tax burden on high earners, alleviating the squeeze on lower and middle income earners.

“However, Kent has a large number of people earning above average salaries, meaning we are paying out more income tax.

“With property prices in London pushing many out of the capital and into the surrounding counties we are likely to see a further increase in higher earners in other areas.”