THE LOCAL authority has indicated that there should not be any increase in next year's council tax bills.

Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet members have examined the authority's accounts so as to set next year's budget. The leader of council, Councillor Peter Fox (pictured) has indicated that the authority is aiming to keep the level of council tax static over coming years and added: "We have indicated to officers that we believe a zero council tax increase should be achievable because of the steps that we have taken previously in planning for the economic downturn that was coming.

 "We have overseen substantial cutbacks in the senior management costs of the council and have introduced a range of other savings with minimal effect on the delivery of essential services."

Councillor Fox acknowledged that the council would be facing some financially challenging times over the coming years, but also recognise that Monmouthshire residents are finding things tough at present.

"The rising price of fuel, food and other essentials has become a major concern to us all," added Councillor Fox 

"We know that many people have seen their pay reducing and their costs increasing and it's for this reason we are aiming not to increase the council tax and it will be our intention to maintain that position for as long as possible. 

"Never in our memory has the economic climate been as harsh on people's pockets as it is now. We must strive to help out in these difficult times by not increasing council tax if at all possible."

Overseeing the Council's budget is Councillor Phil Murphy who said: "Unlike English councils last year who were protected by the Westminster government from the necessity to increase council tax by extra funding, we cannot rely on that happening in Wales.

"The situation for Monmouthshire is particularly difficult as we are the lowest funded council per head of population in Wales. Nevertheless I believe a standstill council tax should be achievable whilst protecting the vulnerable and the education service which are our priorities.

"We have worked hard to make sure that the council is efficient and prepared for the difficult times. This approach will allow us to ease the burden of council tax on residents through the next few years whilst maintaining high quality front-line services.

"There are challenging times ahead no-doubt but we believe we must do all we can to ease the load on the residents of this county."

• The exact amount in next year's council tax demands could still show a small increase as the authority collects the precepted amounts on behalf of the Police Authority and the area's town and community councils, who have yet to set their budgets for the coming financial year.