Breckland Council has frozen its element of the annual tax bill for the fourth consecutive year.

Households in the district will pay no more for the services provided by the authority for the next two years, it was decided at a full council meeting today (Thursday).

Breckland's share of the council tax has been set at �64.05 for an average band D property after the 2012/2013 budget was agreed.

The county council did not implement a rise when setting its precept, but Norfolk Police Authority has agreed a 3pc increase so bills will still rise slightly.

Stephen Askew, executive member for finance and democratic services, said Breckland could be proud of its record.

'We recognise there are challenging times ahead and difficult decisions to be taken,' he told the meeting this morning.

Councillor Askew said the council was being very proactive in it approach to the tough economic times, forging a partnership with South Holland Council and discussing the possibility of a merger with Great Yarmouth Council.

Breckland needs to save �3.5m over the next five years and has agreed to spend �25,000 on a feasibility study exploring the option of introducing parking charges in its five market towns.