A SECOND council tax freeze in three years has been approved at South Norfolk Council.Councillors agreed a 0pc rise in the authority's precept, despite an officer recommendation to increase its part of the council tax bill by 1.

A SECOND council tax freeze in three years has been approved at South Norfolk Council.

Councillors agreed a 0pc rise in the authority's precept, despite an officer recommendation to increase its part of the council tax bill by 1.86pc.

The tax freeze came after members opted against putting another �110,000 into the authority's �5m reserves for the 2010-11 financial year.

John Fuller, leader of the council, said he was “proud” to present a balanced budget, despite the impact of the recession. Over the last 12 months, the council has cut �2m out of its budget, which has seen the loss of 40 jobs, but no compulsory redundancies.

“It's true that we agreed a target of 2.5pc in September and our consultation with residents and business supported this approach, but it is because of some 'windfalls' and good management that we now have the option of a tax freeze.

“It would have been a confidence trick upon the electorate to have indulged ourselves by increasing reserves in this year to pull the rabbit out of the hat just before the election,” he said.

The council is in discussion with neighbouring Breckland Council to share services, which is aimed to make further savings.