North West Leicestershire District Council has frozen its portion of the council tax bill for a 12th consecutive year - recognising the financial challenges many have faced in a tough year.

It was confirmed at the full council meeting last night (Tuesday, 23 February), that a Band D property will pay £158.58 to the district council in the next year – exactly the same as a household in this band paid in 2009 for local services.

The decision comes as the council acknowledges the financial pressure many local residents are feeling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, other portions of residents' council tax may rise.

Payments to Leicestershire County Council, fire service, police force and parish councils are also collected through the council tax bill – and some of these authorities may choose or have already chosen to increase their portions.

The County Council recently announced a five per cent increase its council tax payments, blaming a lack of Government support during the Coronavirus pandemic County council tax to increase.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council said: "We work incredibly hard to keep our finances healthy, plan for the future and make sensible investments so that we are able to consistently freeze our portion of council tax, which we are now doing for the 12th consecutive year.

"We felt this was especially important this year given the challenges our communities have faced due to Covid-19 and the financial pressure many are feeling as a result.

"We're proud to continue to deliver high quality services to the people of North West Leicestershire while providing exceptional value for money."

Other highlights in the 2021/22 budget include:

• £5.1 million to spend on purchasing and building new council homes
• £250,000 to support the council's ambition to be net Zero Carbon by 2030
• £50,000 to install at new gate at Breedon on the Hill Church to resolve anti-social behaviour issues
• £15,000 to support volunteer litter pickers with new and improved equipment.