COUNCIL tax bills in South Gloucestershire are expected to be frozen from April for a second year in a row.

The council's ruling Tory cabinet agreed to another freeze yesterday and their recommendation is likely to be approved at a budget meeting of all councillors on February 22. It means that an average bill for a Band D home would remain unchanged at £1,245.20.

Cabinet councillor for corporate affairs John Goddard, pictured, said: "We have consulted with residents and the business community for their views and they have told us they want to see frontline services protected and at the same time, deliver value for money."

The council is committed to saving £43 million by 2014/15, of which £24 million has already been cut by shedding jobs including senior management posts, efficiency savings, contracting out services and a raft of other cost-cutting measures.

Councillors were told that council borrowing next year would double to £20 million to help balance the books.

The council's revenue budget will total £176.6 million and nearly £9 million will be kept in reserves in case of any unforeseen costs.