In his capacity as Minister for Local Government, Bob Neill MP wrote to local authority Leaders on 10th February 2012 urging them not to raise council tax levels. His letter can be found here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/2087893.pdf
Responding to the news that Bromley Councillors voted to freeze council tax levels for 2012/13, Bob said:
“I very much welcome Bromley Council’s decision to freeze council tax for a second year running. This will provide real help to hard-pressed families – many of whom already struggle to afford the average £130 bill that is taken from post-tax pay packets or pensions. Although this Government has taken the unprecedented step of helping fund a council tax freeze, we should not take for granted the impressive work that Bromley Council is doing to root out waste, whilst simultaneously protecting the vital services we rely upon in the Borough.”