WINCHESTER civic chiefs propose to freeze their council tax increase for the second year running.

The ruling Conservative group on the city council, led by Keith Wood, wants to keep the average band D charge at £126.27.

A report on the proposed tax will go to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (WED). The full council is due to make a decision on February 21.

Hampshire County Council is due to set its tax on the same day, with the fire service following on February 24.

By not imposing an increase, the city council would be set for a windfall as the Government has pledged to give a grant equivalent to the council having set a one per cent increase.