TAX payers will not be charged more for council services for the next two years if budget plans for west Cheshire get the go ahead.

If Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) approves a Council Tax freeze on October 16, the authority's precept for the average Band D property will have remained at a standstill for three years with the potential for a fourth.

Before the proposal goes before full council it will be considered by CWAC's executive group on Monday, October 6.

A report by Clr Eveleigh Moore Dutton, CWAC's executive member for resources, shows that in the six years since the council was formed, Council Tax in west Cheshire will have increased by 4.2 per cent, whereas the rise in the Consumer Price Index is around 20 per cent.

A review of costs and income for 2015-17 shows that while the council still faces significant funding reductions compared to 2014-15, savings in corporate budgets and the impact of local growth measures have boosted funds by £12m.

“These improvement have enabled the council to not only address the previously reported residual funding gap but also increase support to our children’s and adult services, experiencing growth pressures, and to introduce plans for a council tax freeze into 2016-17,” said Clr Moore Dutton.

Council members will be asked to approve a net expenditure budget of £274m for 2015-16 and an estimated capital budget of £203m for 2015-17.

This capital budget includes major projects like leisure facilities in Northwich, investment in the highways infrastructure and schools and the roll out of Superfast Broadband.

The budget setting process usually takes place in February but CWAC has brought it forward to aid clarity.

Clr Moore Dutton said: "The main advantage for approving the budget for 2015-16 well in advance of the start of the year is the greater clarity and certainty it will give officers, members and the public over the council’s intentions.

“Early confirmation of the council’s plans will also enable partner agencies and stakeholders to finalise their own budgets for 2015-16 in full knowledge of the council’s plans and will help them to align themselves to work effectively with the council over this period.”

If recommendations are backed, a formal tax resolution to freeze Band D council tax at £1,275.23 for 2015 will go before full council in February.