RYEDALE councillors have kept their word and agreed to freeze the authority’s share of the council tax bill.

At an extraordinary meeting, councillors voted for no increase for 2010/11.

Residents living in the average band D property will pay £176.72 – equivalent to £3.40 per week.

Charges for North Yorkshire County Council, the police authority and fire and rescue service amount to £1,324.13 for a band D property, excluding parish precepts.

The council was told significant work has taken place to deliver a budget with efficiencies and savings amounting to £298,000.

For the second year running, this will be one of the lowest increases in North Yorkshire.

Paul Cresswell, the district council’s chief finance officer, said: “Setting a zero increase was a difficult challenge for the authority but one which the officers have been able to deliver through reviewing services and finding efficiencies that is saving money whilemaintaining or improving service delivery. Next year will be difficult for the authority as reductions in government grants are predicted and we are already working in order to minimise the impact on the council tax payers and service users.”

Meanwhile, Hambleton District councillors have backed a planned 4p per week tax rise, bringing the charge for a Band D property to £89.48 a year. When charges from North Yorkshire County Council, police and fire authorities and parishes are added, the average annual bill for a Band D property will be £1,413.61.

Arthur Barker has decided to stand down as leader of Hambleton District Council after seven years.