Residents in Shepway may see a cut in their council tax bill after district council leader proposed to reduce the precept by 0.5%.

Cllr David Monk made the announcement this afternoon and said he was "pleased" to make the announcement adding "efficiency savings" over the past few years had paved the way to introduce a cut.

He said: "There has been excellent stewardship of finances at this Council, and we have achieved such efficiency savings that we are able to propose a cut this year.

"This has been achieved while continuing to offer an excellent service to our community, and we plan to build on that in the coming year. We intend to maintain the council tax at this level for 2015-2016.

"I am pleased that we can reduce bills for the council tax payer while still ensuring that our district looks its best.

"We will be introducing a new Environmental Enforcement Initiative this Spring that will focus on the day-to-day environmental issues that matter to our residents.

"We will also be able to spend money on the replacement and repair of the lamp posts that had to be decommissioned after they were found to be dangerous at the end of last year."

He added there would be a 10% reduction in the Special Expense - for the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds charity - meaning lower bills for residents in Folkestone and Sandgate.

The full district council will vote at a meeting on Thursday, February 13.