Residents in Dartford could see a large chunk of their council bill frozen for a second year running.

The budget proposal, which is subject to consultation, means those in the average property – band D – will continue to pay £181 towards the borough council element of their tax bill.

It is the second year in a row Dartford council has opted not to raise its precept.

The decision comes amid a "perfect storm" of challenges throughout the pandemic and, if approved, would also mean no cuts to frontline services.

Council leader Jeremy Kite said a continued freeze on council tax was the "right thing to do" with many households still facing financial hardship.

The top Tory said: "Many parts of the economy, local and national, began to recover strongly during 2021 as residents and businesses made steps towards normal activity but there still remains a certain degree of uncertainty and hesitancy in some sectors.

"I suspect few residents feel they could meet a higher bill without difficulty."

He added: "Like most local councils this period has been something of a ‘perfect storm’ of challenges.

"Income shrunk at just the time demand for our services rose and a chain of separate but interconnected events came along to make things more difficult still."

This included a shortage in HGV drivers to carry out waste collection services, as well as wage inflation and higher costs.

Cllr Kite said the Conservative-led administration was taking a "common sense" approach built on a "longer term view" of delivering effective services.

"We are resident-focussed and don’t seek comfort in raising taxes because others around us are doing so," he said.

"I don't think councils should just put bills up because they can, there has to be a reason for it."

Prior to last year's freeze the authority had increased council tax consecutively for three years running.

But on each occasion Cllr Kite said they had made a point of fully explaining the reasons to residents, including what the extra cash was being spent on.

"We went on a run of three years and we told people what we were spending it on," he said.

"Now we think we are okay and in these circumstances I would rather the money stays with the residents."

The Tory leader said this would give people more money to spend, particularly in hard hit areas such as the High Street.

Out of 14 local authorities in Kent, Dartford was the only council to formally authorise a freeze on tax last year.

The district and borough council precept makes up just over 10% of the total council tax fee that residents pay each year and goes towards a range of services such as weekly bin collections, parking and running leisure services

However, average bill payers may still face a hike if Kent County Council were to approve any increase.

A consultation is currently taking place on the Dartford council budget proposals ahead of a meeting of the general assembly on February 28.

The deadline for comments is Friday January 28.