Ultimately it is the people that would be refusing to fund services if the referendum does reject the increase.  If an affluent area like Surrey is unwilling to support its "needy" then what hope is there for the rest of the country?

I've always said that whilst referendums may give a snapshot of people's opinion it is not the best way for making important decisions in a representative democracy.  If we had a referendum tomorrow on whether or not the Exchequer should send everyone a cheque for £1,000 at Christmas then I'd be very surprised if that wasn't voted for by a large majority.  The Surrey referendum is on the same level - it is not a decision that should be decided on by a referendum.