Uttlesford residents will be paying two per cent less tax for district council services from April.

The cut in the authority’s share of the Council Tax bill was approved at a meeting of full council last night (Thursday) as part of its budget for 2014/15.

The council’s new Corporate Plan, which sets out strategic aims for the next five years, was also approved.

The two per cent cut follows a one per cent cut last year and two years of freezes before that. Uttlesford District Council has not put Council Tax up since 2010, a real term cut of 15 per cent when inflation is factored in.

The approved budget contains measures to help local businesses including a £25,000 sum for discretionary business rates relief and an increase in funding for voluntary sector organisations and community projects grants.

Other key budget items include funding for improvements to Saffron Walden Castle, a new CCTV scheme in Thaxted, a feasibility study into district car park provision and a new Strategic Initiatives fund which will be invested in projects to benefit local communities.

Leader Jim Ketteridge said: “I am pleased that we are able to deliver this Council Tax cut for our residents while still investing in projects that will bring real benefits to residents and businesses alike.

“The next council year promises to be an exciting time for us and there is a great deal planned that will bring real benefit to the district.”

Cllr Robert Chambers, cabinet member for finance, said: “Officers and members have worked hard to manage our finances and deliver savings across the authority. Uttlesford still has the lowest council tax in Essex and the council continues to be in robust financial health.”