Should Council tax be 'kept down'?

A survey suggests that more than 40% of local authorities in England are planning to increase council tax this year.

Many have rejected a government scheme which entitles them to more funding if they do not put up bills.

The average rise is likely to be just under 1%.

The Local Government minister, Brandon Lewis, told the Today programme's John Humphrys that most people would have a council tax cut in real terms.

"We need to keep council tax down" for "hard working residents", he said.

John Gilbey, leader of Canterbury Council explained: "We are determined to keep and high standard of services… and to keep services going," and stressed that cuts to council budgets are preventing local authorities from performing at their best.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 28 February 2013.