Braintree Council has officially approved its council tax rates for 2005/06.

The amount residents will have to pay across the district was approved by Braintree's full council last night, with the band D charge rising from £131.22 to £137.25, a 4.6 per cent increase or rise of 12p per week.

Graham Butland, leader of the council, said it would be concentrating on four key areas in the coming year overview and performance, public protection, rural issues and financial management.

Michael Lager, cabinet member for resources, said that it was a good budget for the people of Braintree.

Chelmsford residents face an increase of nearly four per cent for the borough council's part of the council tax.

A rate of 3.99 per cent for the 2005/06 year was rubber-stamped at the full council meeting last night nearly one per cent lower than last year's 4.95 per cent rise.

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Published Thursday, February 17, 2005

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