ST Edmundsbury Borough Council is looking to freeze its share of the council tax - but council tax benefits would be reduced for some people.

Today, John Griffiths, the leader of the borough council, and David Ray, cabinet member for resources at the borough council, outlined the budget the authority is looking to set for next year.

Mr Griffiths said: “I think we are all extremely proud I think for the third year running and the fourth time in five years we are yet again freezing our share of the council tax which means for our residents that means they will be paying the same they did three years ago and receiving hopefully the same quality, if not better, services they did.

“So in current Government funding reductions, the tough economic climate and all these things it’s a very significant achievement. And thanks to a lot of the hard work by our officers and staff.”

Working age claimants, those with second homes and properties which are empty would see their council tax discounts reduced.

Mr Griffiths said: “The reality is we are facing this 10% cut [by the Government on the amount spent on helping people pay their council tax].

“And to share this as fairly as possible we are actually helping to subsidise or cushion the blow to those people who are on benefit.

“We are helping to encourage more empty housing becoming available to rent or to buy for people, and we are sharing the burden amongst those sectors and freezing council tax.”