A PROMISE from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles that council tax bands will not be revalued during the current Parliament has been welcomed by Harlow MP Robert Halfon. The decision will save most families in Harlow at least £300 a year.

While property prices have soared in the 17 years since the last revaluation, householders will not face council tax increases based on property inflation.

Mr Halfon said: "This is great news and will be welcomed by everyone who has seen their finances hit as a result of the economic downturn. The last thing they would want at the present time is a hefty increase in their council tax bills.

"Council tax is probably the biggest domestic bill that people face each year and it will be a relief to many people that the bands are not going to be reassessed.

"Any banding change would result in householders having to pay several hundred pounds more and this increase would have hit many people hard, particularly the poorer families."

The Government says a rise from Band D - the benchmark for council tax - to Band E would cost an extra £320 a year.