The council has frozen council tax,despite a 13 per cent reduction in Government grants forced by the need to deal with the financial crisis created by the last

Labour government . Support for charities and voluntary organisations has been maintained.

The council's 2012/13 budget, was approved  at a special policy and finance committee meeting  Ribble Valley Borough Council's share of the council tax on a

Band D property will remain at £140.69, the lowest in Lancashire.

Ribble Valley Borough Council Leader Michael Ranson said: "Like all other local authorities, Ribble Valley Borough Council has seen a large reduction in financial

supportfrom the Government, but this reduction was inevitable and we have been preparing for it for some time.

We commenced a review of our services last year and, while some tough decisions had to be taken, the council has saved the £645,000 needed to produce a

balanced budget. This budget is the result of strong financial discipline, prudent management and a committed and dedicated workforce."

Council tax bills also include precepts from Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as well as the parishes.

The Lancashire Councty Council set its budget on a 3 year cycle and accounts for the largest proportiomn of the council tax as the education and social services authority.

Senior Vice Chairman of RVCA commented '' This reflects a recognition by the Council that the public are struggling in these difficult economic times and

 the need to alleviate the financial  problems for council tax payers , even in relation to smaller items of household expenditure such as freezing  

 charges for up to two hours at short-stay car parks in Clitheroe and Longridge, ''