Average council tax bills are set to rise by 4.1 per cent from April, official figures have confirmed.

Statistics covering local taxes in England for 2005/06 revealed that a band D property occupied by two adults would be hit by a bill of £1,214 compared with £1,167 this year.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford said the rises were the lowest in more than 10 years.

"I am very encouraged by today's figures that signify the lowest council tax increases in over 10 years. This follows substantial investment by government," he said.

However the Times points out that 4.1 per cent is still twice the rate of inflation.