It represents just five pence a week on the council tax bills of the average taxpayer in Ashfield, and has been set at less than half the rate of inflation (currently 4.25%).

The figures were announced at a special meeting of the council on Thursday night (28.02.08), having been proposed at a cabinet meeting earlier in the evening.

Cllr. Austin Rathe, Deputy Leader of the Council said:

“This is the lowest rise in this Council’s history and it’s also the smallest increase in the whole of Nottinghamshire.

“For just four pence extra a week, residents will see record investment in services – with £5m planned to be spent on front line operations over the next three years”.

He added that a further £13m was earmarked for investment in Hucknall town centre, with Kirkby in Ashfield to be redeveloped as well.

"We're delighted to recommend the lowest council tax rise in Ashfield's history. This, combined with our record investment in services shows that the council's new administration is delivering better services for less money, which is what the people deserve," he said.

Select to download a breakdown of Council Tax 2008/09 (PDF)