THE pressure is on to find new ways of saving money, according to west Suffolk leaders.

Speaking as St Edmundsbury Borough Council members voted to freeze council tax for the third year, resources portfolio holder Dave Ray said it was time to come up with fresh ideas to deal with Government cuts and inflation.

Addressing the full council meeting tonight in Bury St Edmunds, Mr Ray said: “We need to put our thinking caps on. We need the next good idea on how we save money and do our business in a more efficient way.”

Mr Ray had previously told the council that the sharing of services with Forest Heath had helped cover a “large part” of the gap for this year’s and next year’s budget.

John Griffiths, the leader of the borough council, praised councillors and officers in freezing tax and maintaining services.

As part of the budget, working age claimants, those with second homes and properties which are empty will see their council tax discounts reduced.

Cabinet member for Transport, Terry Clements also revealed that the council - having agreed the budget - would be introducing a new parking measure in Bury St Edmunds. The scheme will involve free parking from 3pm on Tuesdays in the town.

Exact details, including which car parks will be included, are expected to be released on Wednesday.