A FREEZE in West Dorset District Council’s share of the council tax is now one step away.

Members of the authority’s executive committee agreed to put forward a recommendation to full council that will see no increase in is precept on the council tax for a third year running.

The current charge on a Band D mid-range property is £124.80.

The committee also backed plans to freeze parking charges in its off-street car parks in the 2013/14 financial year.

That will mean short term parking charges will enjoy a seventh year without increase and free parking on Sundays and overnight will continue.

Council leader Robert Gould said the authority and its staff could take pride in the fact they were able to maintain their level services and still deliver a balanced budget in the challenging economic climate facing the public sector.

He said: “The radical plans and actions we have put in place over the last few years have really paid dividends in terms of being able to put us in a strong position to withstand these pressures.

“We have been able to protect our services, continue to keep our council tax one of the lowest in the county and continue to plan for the future and have a very significant capital programme.

“We are in a much better position than most authorities.”

A final decision on the 2013/14 budget will be made at a full meeting of West Dorset District Council on February 26.