Council tax will be frozen across Ealing for the coming year, it was announced today.

Ealing Council pledged not to increase charges in a move to support residents who are struggling in the recession.

It also promised not to cut services despite finding £9 million of savings through an efficiency drive which will result in around 40 redundancies, mostly from back office staff.

Finance leader David Scott said: "We recognise that the economic downturn is affecting the money in people's pockets and residents are looking to make savings in their own budgets. It is only right that the council does the same thing and does not add to the pressures households are facing.

"I am pleased we have been able to deliver a zero increase this year. We face major hurdles with falling Government grants and increased demand from residents who are facing difficulties and are in need of our services.

"Yet we have still achieved the zero increase by finding nearly £9 million in efficiency savings which will protect front line services and deliver better value for money."

Council tax for a band D home in the borough will remain at £1369.75 for 2009/10.

Ealing now has the 18th lowest council tax levels of the 33 London boroughs, according to the council - down from 23rd lowest in 2006. Rises have been kept below inflation for the past three years, since the Conservatives took power.