SOMERSET County Council is proposing to freeze its share of Council Tax bills for the fifth year in a row.

The authority is currently preparing its budget which includes a recommendation to keep the county council's Council Tax slice at £1,027 for the forthcoming year.

Council leader Cllr John Osman said councillors knew finances were tight for many households.

"Our income from Government is down, but we face increasing calls on our services from people who need our help," he said.

"It means we have to take tough decisions to live within our means – it's the same as any household.

"When earnings go down, but bills go up, you have to cut back in some areas.

"But we remain determined to keep our share of Council Tax as low as we can for as long as we can."

Over the past six months the council has carried out a consultation - called the Balancing Act - into budgets and services.

Two thirds of the 1,000 people across Somerset who were consulted said they did not want Council Tax increased to protect council-run services.

"We have consulted widely and listened to our residents who are clear that Council Tax levels should remain frozen as far as possible," Cllr Osman said.

"People understand the tough financial position we are in and I am sure they will welcome this stand to help them out in these tough financial times."

The final budget will be voted on by councillors at their formal meeting on February 19.