RESIDENTS in south Suffolk should find their council tax will increase at the inflation rate, it was confirmed today.Babergh District Council is considering a tax increase for next year of 3.

RESIDENTS in south Suffolk should find their council tax will increase at the inflation rate, it was confirmed today.

Babergh District Council is considering a tax increase for next year of 3.1 per cent - the rate of inflation.

Colin Spence, Vice-Chairman of the Strategy Committee, said: "The Council understands the public's concern about Council Tax increases.

"So we are very pleased to be considering an increase not exceeding inflation." He said councillors and officers had worked hard to achieve a budget for next year, which is only 2pc more than for the current year.

Mr Spence said: "After allowance is made for the necessity to take less from reserves next year, an inflation increase is achieved."

The council has found savings of £520,000 in its budget next year – and expects to collect an extra £160,000 in income.

However it is convinced services will not be hit.

Some services such as support for rural communities and opportunities for young people should improve as a result of additional funding.

The final decision on Council Tax levels will be made on 24 February, when the requirements of Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Police Authority Parish/Town Councils as well as the district council are known.