TAX increases for residents in mid Suffolk are set to be reduced for the fifth successive year.Mid Suffolk District Council today said it is likely to impose a three per cent increase on the authority's portion of the council tax bill.

TAX increases for residents in mid Suffolk are set to be reduced for the fifth successive year.

Mid Suffolk District Council today said it is likely to impose a three per cent increase on the authority's portion of the council tax bill.

This would bring the council's part of a Band D council tax bill to £136.36 and represents an increase of 8 pence or less per week for most households.

An increase of three per cent in the council's portion would be the fifth year in a row the rate of increase has been reduced.

In 2002/03 the annual increase stood at 12.9 per cent.

Tim Passmore, leader of the council, said: “This is a good news budget for the people of Mid Suffolk.

“Residents have told us very clearly that they expect council tax rises to be kept to a minimum and we have delivered on our promises to do exactly that.

“Ideally we would freeze or even cut council tax levels but this is not possible due to the significant expectations that people rightly have to provide efficient and effective services."

It is expected Mid Suffolk District Council's executive committee will recommend the three pre cent increase when it meets next Monday.

The budget will be considered by full council on March 8.

Mid Suffolk's portion of the council tax stands at ten per cent with Suffolk county Council taking 75 per cent, Suffolk Police Authority taking around 10 per cent and parish and town councils taking around five per cent.