RESIDENTS look set to have their council tax frozen as the council prepares to vote through the freeze.

Under a coalition promise any council that rules out a rise will receive additional funding equivalent to a rise of 2.5 per cent. Local Government Minister Eric Pickles wants all councils to take up the offer.

Last week he published a list of 130 councils who have signed up for the Government scheme that means Whitehall will pay them cash for keeping bills static.

Swindon was not on the list but the Adver has been told council tax bills are set to be frozen.

The decision is due to be ratified at a council meeting on Thursday.

As part of Government attempts to rebalance the economy Swindon Council will have £3.9m wiped off its revenue funding this year – a 2.41 per cent reduction in “overall spending power” and £3.5m in 2012/13, a 2.28 per cent reduction.

The Government wants every council to look at combining their services with neighbouring authorities to save money.

Mr Pickles wants almost all posts – from planners, lawyers and school support to IT and payroll staff – to be shared with neighbouring local councils.

In addition councils should publish all details of spending above £500 to ensure transparency and avoid waste.