David Ruffley MP has this evening applauded St Edmundsbury Borough Council's announcement that there will be a freeze on Council Tax during the next financial year.

The announcement was made by the leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Councillor John Griffiths, during this evening's Cabinet meeting.

David said:

'Unlike the current Government, St Edmundsbury Borough Council spent wisely and put money aside while the economy was in good shape, now, as we go into a recession, the Council can afford to give local people some respite from spiralling bills.

'These are bleak times for the economy and many constituents I speak to are struggling to make ends meet. Hopefully today's announcement will make their lives that bit easier over the next year.

'A freeze on Council Tax is a remarkable achievement and I applaud everyone involved at St Edmundsbury for making this possible- especially the Council's leader, John Griffiths, and his Portfolio Holder for Resources and Efficiency, Paul Farmer.

'The situation at St Edmundsbury is in stark contrast to the picture in Westminster, where the Government is racking up record levels of borrowing which will mean bigger tax rises further down the line.'