WEST Dorset residents will enjoy a council tax freeze for a third successive year.

West Dorset District Council members agreed a budget that included freezing its precept on the council tax at £124.80 for a mid-range Band D property in 2012/13, which council leader Robert Gould claimed was one of the lowest in the country.

The budget also included freezing parking charges in council-run car parks as well as continued funding of voluntary groups such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Youth Information Centres.

In his budget speech, Councillor Gould said that the move towards partnership working and a shared officer structure with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council had enabled the authority to maintain its level of services despite the council tax freeze and government funding cuts.

COUNCIL tax in west dorset

Band A (properties of value up to £40,000 based on April 1, 1991, values) £83.20

Band B (£42,000 - £52,000): £97.07

Band C (£52,000 - £68,000: £110.93

Band D (£68,000 to £88,000): £124.80

Band E (£88,000 to £120,000): £152.53

Band F (£120,000 to £160,000): £180.27

Band G (£160,000 to £320,000): £208.00

Band H (over £320,000): £249.60