THERE will be no increase in council tax in Dartford for a second year after the council accepted a cash bonus from the government.

Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con), the council leader, said since they regained power from Labour in 2003 the council had been trimming its civic centre staff.

"Others are being forced to do it - we have been doing it for nine years," he said.

Cllr Kite (pictured left) said: "We are operating about as efficiently as we can do."

Several Kent councils, including neighbouring Gravesham, have ignored government offers of one-off payments this year in return for a no-change council tax decision.

"We are doing some restructuring but not making any significant changes," said Cllr Kite.

"I am really proud of the way the council runs, to be honest with you."

It means the average (Band D) council tax claim from Dartford council services will be £162.90.

The average total bill for the year will be around £1417. KCC, the fire and police services have also agreed freezes, but some parish councils are raising their charges.