MID Beds District Council has again been able to produce the lowest council tax charges in the county. The council s executive took less than an hour to agree a rise of 4.9 per cent yesterday (Wednesday) morning meaning residents will have to find another

MID Beds District Council has again been able to produce the lowest council tax charges in the county.

The council's executive took less than an hour to agree a rise of 4.9 per cent yesterday (Wednesday) morning meaning residents will have to find another nine pence a week or £4.89 a year for a Band D property with bills will rising from £99.84 to £104.73 for 2007/8.

MBDC pointed out after the meeting their council tax is considerably lower than neighbouring districts with Bedford Borough's at £140.18 and South Beds at £149.52, which is before any increases.

In addition Band D households also pay over £1,000 to the services provided by Bedfordshire County Council as well as contributions for fire and police services and town and parish councils.

The executive's decision will now go before a special council meeting on March 1 where it is expected to be approved.