Bill payers in Bracknell Town, Sandhurst and Crowthorne won’t pay any more to live in their neighbourhoods, but police and fire authorities’ precepts will increase, pushing up council tax.

The rates for each valuation band were released as Bracknell Forest councillors were due to approve the final budget for 2013/14, including a borough council tax freeze, at a full council meeting last night.

Council tax precepts for parish councils and fire and police authorities were included in the proposed budget, which outlines how much money Bracknell Forest will be spending on services.

Thames Valley Police Authority raised its band D precept from £154.30 to £157.38 while Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has added £5 to a band D property.

Neighbourhoods falling under Warfield Parish Council will be charged more this year, with those living in a band D property paying £30.14 on top of the borough council tax, an increase of around five per cent.

Binfield Parish Council has also increased its precept as villagers see a small rise of £1.68 on their council tax valuation.

Bracknell Town, Sandhurst and Crowthorne parish councils have frozen their precepts and residents will only be charged more for policing and fire services.

The budget was accepted by executive members during a committee meeting on Wednesday, February 13.

Before last night’s meeting Bracknell Forest Council leader Councillor Paul Bettison said: “I’m particularly proud we will be freezing our council tax precept for the fourth year in a row.

“Four out of the six councils in Berkshire are increasing their council tax, which is a huge shame, and I’m pleased to say we’re not.

“We have worked very hard at keeping our spending down and being more efficient so residents will be receiving the same great services, but we won’t be charging them any more.”

The council was recommended to approve the budget, which included cash to create more primary and secondary school places, improvements to roads and public transport around the town centre and more affordable housing.

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