Telford council tax to be frozen in 2011?

Council tax bills across Telford could be frozen next year to help families cope with Government cuts and soften the blow of the economic crisis.

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Andrew Eade's pledge came as David Cameron today attempted to switch the focus from the Government's spending cuts to economic growth

The Premier aims to allay fears the nation is heading for a double-dip recession and fall in house prices.

Mr Cameron promised a "new economic dynamism" to boost business and create new jobs to "transform our fortunes" in his first speech to the CBI in London.

But data due to be released tomorrow by the Office for National Statistics is expected to show that growth has slowed from 1.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year to as low as 0.4 per cent in July, August and September.

The latest survey of household confidence also pointed to a property market poised to "lurch downwards".

Setting out the coalition's plans to rebuild fragile business confidence and boost growth, Mr Cameron promised to get banks lending to firms again.

Meanwhile, local government minister Eric Pickles said an extra £650 million had been set aside by Treasury chiefs to help local authorities freeze council tax bills, which could save householders up to £70 a year.

Councillor Eade said: "Telford & Wrekin Council is proud to have been able to slash council tax increases over recent years and has the lowest council tax in the Midlands. We have been planning for a zero council tax rise next year and this is helpful confirmation that the current government is willing to support us in reaching this decision."