RIBBLE Valley Borough Council is hoping to set one of the lowest council tax increases in the country for the second year running.

Last year, the authority increased its share of the council tax by just 3.27 per cent - just over half the Government recommendation of 6.1 per cent.

And council leader Chris Holtom today said the authority hoped to set a similar increase again.

He said: "Last year, our council tax increase was the lowest in Lancashire and one of the lowest in the country.

"Our finance team are still undertaking their calculations but we hope to set one of the lowest council tax increases in the region for the second year running, despite disappointing Government funding."

The proposed increase, when finalised, will be presented to the council's policy and finance committee at a meeting in the Ribble Valley council chamber on February 3.

Council tax charges for the current year in Ribble Valley, which does not include the Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police Authority or parish precepts, is £75.13 for a Band A property; £87.66 for a Band B; £100.18, C; £112.70, D; £137.74, E; £162.79, F; £187.83, G, and £225.40 for H.