Leader in council tax pledge

The leader of Cannock Chase Council has pledged not to raise council tax by more than the rate of inflation. But the final figure is still being calculated and is not due to be known until Tuesday.

Councillor Neil Stanley, pictured, leader of the Lib Dem Conservative alliance at the council said the cabinet would recommend to the full council, who ultimately make the decision on council tax, to adopt a council tax rise of less than five per cent and less than the rate of inflation.

He said: "The council tax rise will not be five per cent which is the point where the government will look to cap you. It will also not be higher than the rate of inflation which is currently running at around four per cent. How much lower it is we won't know until next week."

The council embarked on a public consultation last month on a list of controversial savings for the council tax. A final decision on the council tax will be made next month by the full council.