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The council has announced a rise ofÌý 4.75 per cent- down on last year's 5.5 per cent increase.

People living in band C properties will pay £1 more per week, whilst those living in band D properties will see their tax go up by £1.14 per week.

It means that the borough is still has the third cheapest council tax in outer London.

Councillor Graham Bramley told ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ London:
“We've worked very hard over the past 12 months to makes sure that our finances are in good order… and we do our best to give residents value for money. So much so, that we've been given a ranking of ‘good’ by the government for our financial affairs.�

Asked whether the lower increase would mean less spending on public services in the borough, Cllr Bramley insisted this would not be the case:

"There's significantly more money going into services such as education... [and] we're able to spend more money because of our commitment to efficiency"

Money raised from council tax goes to help maintain services such as schools, waste collection and recycling.