Cllr Jim Ketteridge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council, said: “The proposed rise is on a level with the current rate of inflation and will allow the council to keep delivering services to residents and businesses in a very difficult economic climate.

“Government grants, which form a major part of council funding, are not keeping pace with inflation. For 2010/11, we will only receive a rise of a half of one per cent. This is a problem being experienced by many district councils and one which is likely only to become more serious in coming years.

“However, the council is committed to continuing working with the community to give them high quality, value for money services.

“All these issues will, I am sure, be fully debated by councillors at the budget-setting meeting on 18 February and prior to that at our Finance and Administration Committee next Tuesday.”

Tags: Uttlesford