Council tax payers in Telford & Wrekin are facing a 1.9 per cent increase in next year’s bill.

But in the Shropshire Council area some householders will be hit with a 3.5 per cent hike.

The average rise in England is expected to be 1.6 per cent to £1,194 per household, according to analysis released today.

If confirmed, it would mean the lowest increase since the tax began in 1993 and an effective reduction once inflation is taken into account.

The Local Government Association calculated the figure from a survey of the draft budgets of more than 100 councils, police and fire authorities.

However in three Shropshire areas – Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury and Atcham and north Shropshire – residents face a maximum increase of 3.5 per cent.

But in the former south Shropshire and Oswestry districts, which in the past have had the highest levies, there will be no increase in the Shirehall part of the overall bill.

It is part of a three-year plan to equalise tax bills across the county and was agreed last year as part of the switch to unitary status.

The highest charges will be in Bridgnorth where the average band D household will see its annual bill go up by £39.39 (76p weekly) to £1,164.

But even without an increase, band D residents in both south Shropshire and Oswestry will have to pay £1,216.58.

The final say on Telford & Wrekin’s lowest increase in a decade will be made by the full council next month.

Last night members of the cabinet agreed to recommend the increase, which would mean people in a band B household paying 31p a week extra.