HOUSEHOLDS currently being squeezed by the recession could be in line for some respite as council tax looks set to stay unchanged.

At a cabinet meeting last night, councillors ran through a set of budget proposals which they say should allow them to keep council tax at current levels in 2010/2011.

The plans agreed at the meeting will now be referred to individual council committees and put up for public consultation, before the final budget proposals are voted on by the full council in March.

Council leader Keith Prince was keen to assure residents that, while cut-backs will have to be made, the council was determined to keep the most important services intact.

He said: “In this tough economic climate, there’s no doubt that some belt tightening will be required and I want to be very upfront with residents about that.

“However, I also want to be clear that the council will do everything it can to avoid cutting frontline services or raising taxes.

“We recognise that in tough economic times, frontline services and the lowest possible taxes are more important than ever to residents and they will remain our priority throughout the budget process.

“Savings will need to be made, but wherever possible, these will come from increased efficiency.

“Although the council already has a well earned reputation for efficiency, there is always room for improvement and we will be very focused on making taxpayers’ money go even further.”

The council says it is already due to save £6.8 million this year through increased efficiency, ahead of central government targets.