TAX for council services in the north of the county will remain frozen for residents for the ninth year running.

Cherwell District Council on Monday voted to keep its part of council tax the same at the same level it has been at for almost a decade.

This tax relates to services across the district such as waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, planning and street cleansing.

Cherwell District Council lead member for finance, Tony Ilott, said: “I am proud that, despite cuts in Government funding, we are freezing our share of the council tax once again.

“That we are able to do this for a ninth year in a row is testament to the hard work that’s been done behind the scenes making savings, adopting a commercial mind set, and planning proactively and prudently.

“We continue to deliver high quality services for everyone who lives in Cherwell, but it’s right that we continue to charge residents no more than is strictly necessary.”

District councillors agreed an overall budget of £19.363m to deliver all of Cherwell District Council’s services.

The agreement means that the district council’s share of council tax will once again be set at £123.50 a year for a Band D property.

Overall, taxpayers’ bills will go up, as Oxfordshire County Council is increasing its share of council tax by 5.99 per cent in the highest hike that the council can implement without being required hold a referendum.

The council expects that move to raise £3.3m more than originally planned.

It means Band D council tax will increase from £1.345.59 a year to £1.426.19 in 2018/19.

Oxfordshire County Council leader, Ian Hudspeth, said: “I do not believe in raising taxes unnecessarily.

“I understand the impact on our residents who may not have had an increase in their wages.

“However, I am confident that people understand about the rising cost of social care.

“In return, we will always ensure the money is spent as efficiently as possible.”

In addition, Thames Valley Police raising its share of council tax by 7.05 per cent.

On average, the town and parish councils will put their share of the tax up by 2.4 per cent.

Cherwell will be sending out the 2018/19 bills from 13 March.

Of the money charged, Cherwell will retain seven per cent. The remainder is split between the county council, Thames Valley Police and town and parish councils.