Tax rates for Westminster residents will stay as some of the lowest in the country

Council tax is set to be frozen in Westminster for the fifth year in a row.

Westminster Council has announced plans to keep annual council tax for Band D properties at �377.80, one of the lowest rates in the country.

The council says it has saved �60million in the past financial year, with 80 per cent of economies coming from cutting back-office functions.

Westminster leader Cllr Colin Barrow said: “I am proud of how we have successfully made savings whilst prioritising our frontline services and continuing to deliver value for money for our residents.

“In an age of austerity, it is all too easy to recoup costs by raising taxation. The challenge lies in improving service provision while stabilising the money that the council takes from hardworking people.

“It is our responsibility to spend fairly and prudently on the services that matter and make a difference to local people,” he added.

The plans are due to be approved by the full council and cabinet.