COUNCIL tax is to be frozen for the fourth year running in Havering.
The borough council has decided not to hike charges for the coming financial year, which starts in April.
The decision means that the owner or tenant of an average Band D property will once again be asked to pay £1,195 over the next 12 months.
However, the total tax bill paid by Havering residents could yet increase because the Greater London Authority precept – currently £306 for a Band D household – has yet to be set by City Hall.
The budget proposals recommended by Havering Council's cabinet will now go to full council on February 27 for a final decision.
Councillor Roger Ramsey, cabinet member for value, said: "The council budget decision for 2013/14 reflects our determination to keep council tax stable in Havering, while managing large reductions to our funding.
"Our budget is built on a long-term approach to cutting our running costs, rather than cutting services.
"That means we can focus on the priorities of local people, who want clean, well-maintained streets, care for those in need and services like libraries and parks that improve the quality of life in Havering."
Havering's budget plans for 2013/14 are in marked contrast to some other local authorities in London and across the UK that are consulting on major service cuts or council tax increases.
This is despite the fact that Havering will receive around £1.5 million less in funds from the Government from April.
The council says it can pay for the freeze with its ongoing £40 million savings programme.
Some of its initiatives include using the Government's "New Homes Bonus" to maintain key services that improve the local environment, using the council's pension fund to invest in the borough and continuing to find more cost-effective ways of running the council and including better use of technology and new partnerships with other organisations, residents and community groups.
