Eric Pickles: 300 authorities to cut council tax levels

The Communities Secretary said more than 300 councils in England have so far agreed to freeze council tax levels for the next year and eight are reducing theirs.

Eric Pickles told Jo Coburn he expected 90% of councils would not be raising bills from April.

He said it was "illogical" for councils, including Conservative-led Surrey, to reject a one-off grant over fears of a greater shortfall next year, calling it the "economics of the mad house."

Former MP Neil Hamilton joined in the debate to attack councils for not cutting bills as he reeled-off a list of council "non-jobs".

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