Greenwich’s Labour Council has voted to freeze council tax and charges it controls to help residents through the credit crunch.

It means councl tax in the borough has only increased by just 27% over the last 10 years - the second lowest in the capital. In comparison, residents in neighbouring Bexley have seen their taxes increase by 82% and in Bromley by 86%.

The freeze on all charges that the Council controls means that elderly residents will see no increase in home care charges and meals on wheels.  For families it means the costs of nurseries and after school clubs will remain the same as it wil for those who use leisure centres and libraries.

Council leader Chris Roberts said: “With local residents counting every penny at the moment we have chosen to help them by freezing the council tax and council charges at last years’ levels.

"This means that everyone, especially those on fixed incomes, will have more money for the essentials in these testing times.”