Salford and Trafford councils planning council tax freeze

Two local authorities in Greater Manchester are proposing to freeze council tax levels.

Labour-run Salford and Tory-run Trafford are both planning to keep the tax at 2012-13 levels.

Other Labour-led authorities in Greater Manchester plan increases up to 3.7%, but Salford Mayor Ian Stewart said his council has produced a balanced budget.

"We have been rigorous in Salford," said Mr Stewart. It would be the fourth year levels are frozen.

"We have scrutinised our budgets with a fine tooth comb, " said Mr Stewart.

"In future there won't be an annual budget, we are having a rolling budget process to make sure that we do the best for the people of Salford," he added.

Three authorities in Greater Manchester have announced council tax rises, Manchester 3.7%, Oldham 3.5% and Rochdale 3.5%.

Bury, Bolton, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan have yet to set their budgets.