THE Forest of Dean District Council's share of the council tax burden is to remain unchanged for a third successive year.

The budget – claimed to maintain the same level of services – has been agreed at £10,214,130. This includes savings of £236,130 for 2013/14.

The budget includes a reduction in car park charges, with tickets costing 20p an hour for up to four hours and £1.60p for a day. Yearly charges are to be reduced to £180. These figures have to be finalised by Cabinet members later this month.

The budget is the first which sees business rates as a new form of income for the council. This replaces the old grant system paid by the government. The council also receives money from the building of new houses.

Capital programme work includes £203,00 for flood alleviation, £288,000 in disabled facilities grants and £850,000 for investment into Forest leisure centres.

Cabinet member Cllr Brian Robinson said: "We are very pleased to be able to freeze council tax for a third year running. The main shift this year is the way we are being funded with the new business rates retention scheme and the increased reliance on New Homes Bonus." It was, he added, tough for councils but the council was looking forward to helping grow business and bring in much needed new homes to the district.