A Teesside council has said it did not have to raise its share of the council tax this year thanks to "careful management and financial prudence".

For the third year running there will be no increase in Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's component of the council tax bill.

However, an increase in the Cleveland Police Authority precept will mean a rise in this year's bills.

Councillor David Walsh, leader of Cleveland County Council, said: "We have produced a unique achievement in local government. Central government grants are based on councils increasing council tax with rises of up to 4.5 per cent - we haven't had to do that. If we had followed the government guidelines, it would be costing the Band-B and D taxpayer £150 a year more. Indeed, over the last four years, people in Redcar and Cleveland have seen a reduction in their council tax against the level of inflation."

Coun Walsh said costs had increased and that had been incorporated into the council's budget growth - but at no cost to the council taxpayer.

"Careful management and financial prudence have contributed to this success story.

"We have identified public demand and have consequently increased spending on frontline services year on year as well as developing sound balances for the future."