In line with two other councils, Harpenden is freezing its precept for 2010/11. Both Herts county council – which claims the largest share of council tax – and St Albans district council are proposing to freeze their precepts this year. And at a recent me

In line with two other councils, Harpenden is freezing its precept for 2010/11.

Both Herts county council - which claims the largest share of council tax - and St Albans district council are proposing to freeze their precepts this year.

And at a recent meeting of Harpenden town council, a standstill budget for 2010/11 was agreed.

Presenting the budget, Cllr Mike Weaver said that it had been a challenge to achieve the ambitious target with the inflationary pressures affecting the economy and the unprecedented drop in interest rates which had hit the council's investments.

But he maintained the budget allowed the town council to improve services, develop initiatives and provide value for money. Funds would be available to protect the council's assets, develop and maintain Porters Hill playground and add a toddler's area on the existing site.

Increased funding for Harpenden in Bloom to help continue to improve standards was also agreed.