COUNCIL tax bills for next year have been frozen after East Yorkshire councillors set their annual budget.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has agreed plans to save £24 million in 2013/14, saying it will not be closing any of its facilities and will spend £22 million on services.

The council expects to lose £47.3 million in funding between 2010/11 and 2016/17, but will fund the council tax freeze – the third in a row – by accepting a Government grant. The authority will also spend £89 million on the region’s infrastructure next year.

“Residents have identified highways maintenance as a top priority and the council will find the funding to repair damaged roads which have taken another battering this winter,” said council leader Stephen Parnaby, who also said a £200,000 grant fund for town and parish councils will continue for another year.