WEST Oxfordshire District Council will maintain free parking and freeze council tax next year in a “steady as she goes” budget.

The ruling Conservatives’ 2012/13 budget has received the backing of opposition Liberal Democrats and was given the blessing of the cabinet last week.

Budgets across the council’s departments will remain largely the same and overall spending is expected to increase, from £11.1m to £11.6m.

But the council plans to increase some fees and charges, including street trading licences.

Simon Hoare, cabinet member for finance, said: “It is a steady as she goes budget, which reflects the times we are in.

“We are able to freeze the council tax, which is really important at a time when families are having a difficult economic time.

“We are also very keen to support our local businesses and our market towns, and for that reason free car parking continues.”