COUNCIL tax rates for across Comet country have now all been set. All parish or town councils, as well as county councils and police authorities use council tax to charge for their services. Across Comet country, Stevenage Borough Council recorded the low

COUNCIL tax rates for across Comet country have now all been set.

All parish or town councils, as well as county councils and police authorities use council tax to charge for their services.

Across Comet country, Stevenage Borough Council recorded the lowest percentage increase at 2.5 per cent.

At the other end of the scale, Bedfordshire Police Authority's charge has increased by five per cent and Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police Authority's charges by 4.99 per cent.

Mid Beds District Council's charge has gone up by 4.9 per cent, and Bedfordshire Council Council's by 4.33 per cent.

Cllr Sharon Taylor, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: "Last year we asked council tax payers to help us make decisions that affect the town including how to spend the budget.

"We've listened to what was said and the way we are spending the budget for 2007/2008 is based on those priorities.

"We want to give value for money services, but we know that keeping council tax as low as possible is also very important.

"Although we have the pressures of inflation and delivering even more services, we have kept the increase to 2.5 per cent without reducing the services we give you."

Robin Parker, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on the council said: "The council officers have done a good job on the budget but we should bear in mind two things, that the public will expect true value for money for these increases and that we have taken millions of pounds from our reserve balances in order to fund the budget.

Not sure what band your house is in? Click here to see the official government site>>>