Liberal Democrat councillors at Bicester Town Council have announced a reduction in their council tax share for 2024-25.

The previous administration imposed a two per cent blanket annual tax increase, but due to "increased efficiency" and the number of homes in Bicester increasing, there has been a 0.7 per cent fall for individual households.

Residents will still see around a 4.5 per cent overall increase in their bills.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, councillor Paul Wheatley, said: "It has become clear in our first term leading this council that the previous administration over-taxed the residents of Bicester only to put the excess into bank accounts paying zero or near zero interest

"Having achieved a 0.7 per cent reduction in the town council's component of council tax this year, we are determined to continue to correct this imbalance and get residents' money back into their pockets."

Councillor Rachel Mallows added: "During the cost-of-living crisis, we know that many households are struggling so it is pleasing that we can reduce our share."

Councillor Nick Cotter said: "The town council has been looking at how contracts are delivered.

"The new green spaces maintenance contract will reduce the cost to taxpayers whilst improving service delivery."

Bicester Town Council is one of England’s largest parish councils. It saw the Liberal Democrats, in an alliance with the Green Party, become the largest body in May 2023.