TAX payers in Mid Suffolk look set to escape with a smaller rise in their bills than the rest of the county, after costcutting measures paid off.While Suffolk County Council is increasing its share of the council tax bill by a massive 18.

TAX payers in Mid Suffolk look set to escape with a smaller rise in their bills than the rest of the county, after costcutting measures paid off.

While Suffolk County Council is increasing its share of the council tax bill by a massive 18.5 per cent, Mid Suffolk district council has opted to limit its share increase by just 7.48pc.

This is less than half the amount demanded by the county council. It is also less than the 11pc increase requested by Ipswich Borough Council and the 7.7pc increase of Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Announcing the proposed rise, Mid Suffolk council leader Penny Otton said it was able to keep the rise down by making efficiency savings of around 4pc.

She said: "We were expecting that we would get a very poor settlement from government and we knew that we would have to make some efficiency savings to cover this.

"So we instructed the council officers to make savings across the board. This is the reason why we have been able to keep the increase so low.

"I think it's important that we run the council efficiently. If there is any rise, it has to be needed to fulfil the needs of the council."

Ms Otton said the increase announced by the county council had no bearing on Mid Suffolk's decision and added that the council still planned to improve its services.

She said: "We've tried to strike a balance between making cost savings whilst maintaining services and introducing some new growth items."

The council plans to increase its grant to the Citizen's Advice Bureau, extend a concessionary fares scheme for the severely disabled, and improve sporting opportunities, especially among the under 18s in rural areas.

The full council will discuss the proposed council tax increase on March 6.