County councillors are to be lobbied over multi-million budget cuts today as protesters stage a rally at County Hall.

The protest has been organised by anti-austerity campaigners and trade unions but the county council will not be discussing its spending plans at the full council meeting.

Protesters say they are concerned that £80m savings will cut into frontline services, including protecting vulnerable elderly people and children.

Organisers want a rethink on planned cuts of £80.4 million including £9 million staff cuts and further cuts to social care and highways.

KCC says it has no alternative in the face of continuing cuts in government grants and demographic pressures particularly in social services.

In a statement, Eric Segal of the South East Kent Trades Union Council said:

"Trades Union Councils across Kent say no to all cuts! Defend jobs and services! Set a legal needs budget and use the reserves to maintain our services. We say that councillors of whatever colour rosette are elected to provide services not to cut them."