PLANS to continue the freeze on council tax in the borough will be put to councillors next month.

Wigan Council says ‘The Deal’ scheme in which residents help it cope with unprecedented budget cuts in return for the freeze has saved thousands of pounds.

The council still needs the support of residents with things including recycling more and using online services but can afford to keep council tax at its current rate.

Launched last year, The Deal is an informal contract between the council and the public that included a commitment for both sides to work together to make the borough a better place.

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, says: “We’ve got to save another £12m in the next financial year.

“In total, estimates are that by the end of the current austerity programme, the council will have cut over £130m from its budget.

“Yet, despite that enormous financial challenge, we’re able to freeze council tax again this year. Hopefully this will help the public who I know are still struggling through hard times.

“It is residents who have helped us get to this position by recycling more and using our online services, both of which have saved the council money. I ask that they continue to support The Deal throughout this next year.”

Wigan Council has also benefited from an increased dividend from its share-holding in the Manchester Airport Group and extra revenue from new homes.

The proposal to freeze council tax will be put to full council, along with the rest of the budget, in March.

On January 21, residents are invited to put their questions about the council’s plans for the 2014/15 budget to head of finance Paul McKevitt on a live Twitter question and answer session.

Residents can send their questions to @WiganCouncil from noon until 2pm.