SOMERSET County Council is proposing freezing its council tax demand – which forms by far the largest part of council tax bills – for a fifth year.

That means the average Band D home would pay £1,027 in council tax next year – the same as in 2009 – for services such as education and social services.

The district council, which is in charge of planning, waste collection and environmental health services, and the police and fire service, has yet to announce whether it will increase its demands.